IA Captures Weapons Cache in Baghdad Mosque

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
RELEASE No. 20070215-05

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army Forces captured a large weapons cache during operations with Coalition advisers Feb. 14 in central Baghdad.

Iraqi Forces entered the Barantha Mosque during operations targeting illegally armed militia kidnapping, torture and murder activities. The mosque is reportedly used as a place to conduct sectarian violence against Iraqi civilians as well as a safe haven and weapons storage area for illegal militia groups.

While Coalition Forces established security around the mosque, Iraqi Forces entered the mosque in search of the weapons cache. Security guards at the mosque cooperated with Iraqi Forces during the search. Iraqi Forces took every effort to have doors and locks opened by key holding escorts during the search.

Iraqi Forces found and confiscated three PKC heavy machine guns and 80 assault rifles. Minimal damage occurred during operations and there were no Iraqi civilian, Iraqi Forces or Coalition Forces casualties.