Royal Marines Work Alongside Iraqis on Operation THUNDERBIRD

Under Operation THUNDERBIRD, troops from 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines (539 ASRM) and the Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement (DBE) have carried out anti-smuggling patrols of the Southern Maysaan waterways.

Concealing themselves in the marshes, troops set up observation posts to catch criminals illegally smuggling contraband and weapons into Iraq over the waterways.

Using their fast air boats, the Iraqi Border Police (DBE) patrolled the waters supported by the Royal Marines in their Zodiac Raiding craft.

Throughout the operation, the joint force searched all types of craft for illegal contraband and weapons. The surrounding marshlands were searched for hidden weapon caches.

(PHOTO:Troops from 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines and Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement jointly patrol anti-smuggling routes on Operation THUNDERBIRD in the Maysan province of Iraq[Picture: Corporal Andy Benson RAF HQMND(SE)])

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