Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20755&Itemid=128
IA Soldiers seize weapons in Sadr City
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army Soldiers seized numerous weapons caches in the Sadr City district of Baghdad June 25.
Iraqi Army Soldiers with the 3rd Brigade, 1st Iraq Army Division uncovered 11, 82 mm rounds and nine fuses in a school courtyard at approximately 7 a.m.
At approximately 11 a.m., Soldiers from the same unit discovered two AK-47 magazines and one tank scope. They also found two 82 mm rounds, five anti-tank mines, six 60 mm rounds, 11 rocket-propelled grenade rounds, 30 AK-47 rounds and command wire approximately one hour later.
Soldiers with the 3rd Brigade, 1st Iraq Army Division found a cache behind a mosque consisting of four explosively formed projectiles.
Since May 20, the Iraqi Army has uncovered 205 weapons and munitions caches, including more than 150 improvised explosive devices and 100 EFPs.
“This is a significant achievement for the Baghdad Operations Command and the Iraqi Army,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, a spokesman for Multi-National Division - Baghdad. “It shows increased capability, competence and the trust the Sadr City residents have in the Iraqi Army Soldiers.
“A significant number of the caches have been based on tips or citizens pointing the cache locations out,” said Stover. “Also, by removing these weapons and munitions caches from Sadr City and the rest of Baghdad, a statement is being made that there is nowhere the Iraqi Army won’t go to protect the people of Baghdad.”
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Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20756&Itemid=128
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080625-13
June 25, 2008
Citizen tip leads MND-B forces to seize vehicle with 9 IRAMs Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered a vehicle with 9 improvised rocket assisted mortars in the bed of a vehicle in the Kadamiyah district of Baghdad at approximately 4:40 p.m. June 24.
The Soldiers discovered the IRAMs based on a tip from a local Iraqi.
Iraqi and MND-B explosive ordnance disposal personnel were notified of the munitions-laden vehicle. They determined the best method to dispose of the ordnance was by controlled detonation.
A series of three controlled detonations rendered the rockets safe to approach. The controlled detonations were conducted safely, with no injuries to local Iraqis or damage to private property. Then, the IRAMs were removed from the site for disposal.
“These rockets endangered people’s lives,” said Col. William Hickman, the commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. “(Criminals) placed the lives of families and their homes in danger. Because of the tip provided by a concerned citizen and the skill of the explosive ordinance disposal team, no one was injured.”
The concerned citizen called into the National Tips Hotline.
This tip led to the prevention of a potentially deadly attack, said Col. Allen Batschelet, the chief of staff of MND-B and 4th Infantry Division.
“The Ministry of Interior sponsors the National Tips Hotline that lead Iraqi army and U.S. Soldiers to seizing these IRAMs,” said Batschelet. “Coalition forces will continue to exploit intelligence provided by the concerned Iraqi citizens in cooperation with the MoI to further develop information that will lead us to those responsible for these heinous weapons.”
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