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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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Note: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=86654

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Warden Message: U.S. Embassy Colombo Reports Suspicious Powder
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
South / Central Asia - Sri Lanka
25 Jun 2008

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WARDEN MESSAGE: CAUTION FOLLOWING COLOMBO ATTACKS
U.S. Embassy Colombo issued the following Warden Message on June 25, 2008:

At approximately 11:00 am on June 25, 2008, a suspicious powder was discovered at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo. The suspicious substance will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Until the results are received and a determination is made that the substance does not pose health or safety risks, the Embassy will be closed to the public. All visa appointments and routine American citizen services will be postponed until this incident is resolved.

The Embassy’s consular section will remain available to provide emergency services to American citizens during the closure. If you are an American citizen and need emergency assistance please call +94-11-249-8686 during regular business hours, or +94-11-249-8500 after hours and ask for the duty officer.

Please note that the American Center, located at 44 Galle Road, Colombo 3, has not been affected by this incident and will remain open for business.