Minefield cleared with help from local man
TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi and coalition Soldiers cleared a previously unknown minefield Feb. 23 near Tikrit thanks to a tip from a local man.
The Soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division and the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division were searching the area for weapons caches when they came across the man and were guided to the minefield.
Thirty anti-personnel mines were unearthed and destroyed at the site, along with two rifles and a large quantity of machine gun ammunition also discovered during the mission.
Iraqi security forces and coalition units receive tips about weapons caches and terrorist activities from Iraqi civilians almost every day. These tips have led to the seizure of hundreds of weapons and have helped take numerous terror suspects off the streets.
Citizens who help their nation by providing these types of tips may qualify for substantial rewards
Iraqi citizen’s tip helps IA, MNB-D Soldiers
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Soldiers from Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, responded to an Iraqi citizen’s tip Feb. 23 and found a roadside bomb east of An Najaf.
The shape-charge bomb was encased in Styrofoam and was pointing towards a road.
Iraqi police and an Iraqi Explosive Ordnance Disposal team arrived on the scene.
The team defused the bomb to nullify the threat.
Elsewhere, two Iraqi soldiers were wounded Feb 23 when a terrorist’s mortar shell impacted northwest of Baghdad at approximately 2:30 p.m.
Both Iraqi soldiers were medically evacuated to Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 10th Combat Support Hospital for treatment.
MND-B Soldiers discover roadside bombs, weapons caches
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces and MND-B Soldiers discovered and destroyed nine roadside bombs and two weapons caches from the evening of Feb. 22 to the morning of the 23. Following the bombing of the Samarra Mosque, the ISF recalled all Soldiers on leave and increased their security measures throughout the Baghdad, an-Najaf, al-Hillah and Karbala areas of operation.
There were 21 peaceful demonstrations throughout the MND-B area.
Despite media reports to the contrary, as of noon Friday there have been 13 attacks on Muslim mosques throughout the MND-B area. Three mosques were damaged. Iraqi government and security forces are assessing the damage.
Based on a local Iraqi national’s tip, MND-B soldiers from 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, conducted a cordon and search west of Baghdad at around 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22.
The 10th Mtn. Div. Soldiers detained two suspected terrorists and found a weapons cache, which included five RPG launchers, 19 RPG rounds, 15 RPG boosters, 20 mortar rounds, 18 flash bang grenades, three hand grenades, eight anti-tank rounds, ten fuses and seven blasting caps.
Additionally, another weapons cache was found and destroyed by Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, southwest of Baghdad at 6:20 p.m. Feb. 22.
This cache consisted of: 80 120mm, eleven 80mm, and 35 60mm mortar rounds, five rockets, two 155mm artillery rounds, one 60mm mortar and two 60mm mortar base plates.
Both caches were destroyed by coalition explosive ordnance disposal teams.
Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition Force Soldiers patrol Baghdad neighborhoods
BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Iraqi army and police have taken the lead for providing security and the protection of holy sites and government infrastructure.
In an effort to provide a safe environment for the citizens of Baghdad, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces are increasing presence patrols in the city’s neighborhoods today.
The increased patrols come as a response to the recent demonstrations and violence, which erupted in Iraq after the terrorist bombing of the Askariya shrine in Samarra.
The government of Iraq placed a temporary evening curfew, followed by a daytime curfew in Baghdad and Babil provinces. The Iraqi army and police will enforce the curfew in order to provide security for all Iraqis.
The increased presence patrols are scheduled to continue for at least the next 48 hours.
“The attack on the Askariya Mosque is a senseless terrorist act designed to sow the seeds of sectarian violence,” said Maj. Gen. J.D. Thurman, commanding general, MND-B. Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces need the help of the Iraqi people. Iraqis must report all terrorist and criminal activity.”