Troops go hunting for Saddam's henchmen (Basra action)

Irish Examiner ^ | 03/26/2003

[Straight Vermonter]

British troops in Iraq yesterday mounted aggressive patrols to track down Saddam Hussein’s henchmen and looters.

In districts around the south-western edge of Basra sections of soldiers maintained a high presence to deter any would-be insurrection.

Others, acting on specific intelligence provided by the local population, raided homes and properties belonging to members of the Iraqi ruling Baath party and militiamen loyal to Saddam.

Any found with weapons were immediately arrested as prisoners of war.

Protecting the numerous oil and gas processing plants in the area has become a key role for the 7th Armoured Brigade, the Desert Rats, as they wait for the order to march on Basra.

Senior British commanders recognise that keeping as many of the plants intact is vital for protecting the future prosperity of the region and the country.

Typical of the operations now ongoing was that carried out at the Al Tubah al Hamra processing plant about 5km south west of Basra.

The men of Zulu Company, the 1st Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, have spent the past 24 hours guarding the compound after it was subjected to a series of raids by Baath Party loyalists who have attempted to plunder it of its most valuable hardware.

At around midnight on Tuesday (Irish time) a team of snipers led by Corporal Richard Burbidge, 29, took up positions on rooftops and towers in strategic locations.

Relying on night vision their mission was to apprehend anyone trying to enter the compound.

Their orders were specific: anyone spotted carrying a long-barrelled weapon was to be shot at once.

After a quiet night, the section spent the dawn hours sorting out their recently delivered ration packs.

“At about 3am (Irish time) we spotted three Iraqi’s trying to break into a building,” Cpl Burbidge explained.

“They weren’t obviously carrying weapons so we raced round and arrested them. We forced them to the floor with their hands behind their heads – the standard position.

“They claimed they were just trying to get some water for one of their children. When I pointed out that they didn’t have any bottles they simply shrugged.

“There was little point arresting them so we made it perfectly plain to them what we were doing and why we were doing it.

“We know that they will go back to their militia leaders or village elders and tell them what’s going on at the compound.

“It’s good, positive, aggressive patrolling. Once the message is out we hope to bring this sort of thing to an end.”

Three hours later a group of five Iraqis were spotted creeping through the compound. When Cpl Burbidge’s team approached towards them they fled through a gap in the fence in a bid to escape.

The British troops caught up with them and dragged them back to the compound.

Several of the Iraqis were found with pockets stuffed with money and on this occasion the site manager was called in to interrogate them.

After a heated debate the men were again allowed to leave and told to warn their associates that the British Army would arrest and deal harshly with anyone caught breaking into any industrial site.

Zulu Company Officer Commanding Major Duncan McSporran said the role his men were playing was crucial.

“This is not just about Saddam Hussein. It is about ridding a country of an odious regime and bringing much-needed stability to an area which has suffered so much.”

[Blood of Tyrants]

Good sound policing. Get the word out that looting will not be tolerated and the transition will go much smoother.

[arkady_renko]

These guys are awesome! Wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of the big fella on the left.

A_R