|
BAGHDAD, April 7, 2006 - Iraqi and Coalition Forces continue to clamp down on terrorists and their resources, while increased security patrols pay off for Baghdad. Multi-National Division - Baghdad soldiers discovered a weapons cache on an island in the Euphrates River April 5. Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division discovered fused 82 mm and 120 mm rounds, 600 mortar casings, fused rocket-propelled grenades, more than two-dozen 50-gallon drums of unidentified explosive powder, eight bags of unidentified yellowish powder and 5,000 AK-47 rounds. An explosive ordnance disposal team took control of the cache. Attacks Down Operations like these are having a direct impact on security in Baghdad. “We’ve had significant effect against terrorists and foreign fighters trying to infiltrate into Baghdad through the Euphrates River valley,” said Multi-National Force - Iraq Spokesman MG Rick Lynch in his weekly press conference from Baghdad April 6. “Last July, we were averaging 50 suicide attacks per month. Now, the first three months of this year we’re averaging 24 -- less than half.” One of the operations contributing to the significant fall in attack numbers is Operation Scales of Justice, which has fortified security forces in Baghdad. “Scales of Justice will continue until the unity government is formed,” said Lynch. “The operation added approximately 3,700 troops to forces in Baghdad, and allows up to 91 patrols in Baghdad streets at any given time. Sixty-percent of those patrols are Iraqi security forces led. One MND-B patrol detained six men suspected of a murder that took place in southeastern Baghdad April 3. The soldiers from the 506th Infantry Regiment were on a routine patrol when they stopped a suspicious vehicle. “There were six guys crammed in a small sedan, and it was apparent they were trying to conceal something,” said CPT Chad Collins, platoon leader, 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment. “We decided to stop the vehicle and do a cursory search when my Soldiers saw the weapons.” The men were carrying loaded weapons including an AK-47 rifle with blood stains on the folding stock, an Iranian G3 rifle, and two blood-stained 9 mm pistols. Some of the men also appeared to have blood on their hands and clothing. A radio check with the national tip hotline revealed the vehicle’s license number had been reported in several criminal activities. The platoon set up security, preserved the evidence and communicated with the suspects through an interpreter.” “These guys had blood on their hands, and I’m glad we got them off the streets,” said SPC Noah Sidonio, platoon medic. “Everything went by the book. None of the men were hurt or complaining of injuries, so the blood wasn’t theirs.” Witnesses later confirmed the detained men had shot and killed an Iraqi in Jisr Diyala earlier in the day. The incident is under investigation by Iraqi authorities. |
