May 29, 2007

Warrior Battalion Defeats 18 IEDs in 48 Hours

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
RELEASE No. 20070527-07

BAGHDAD — Tips from local citizens led Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division–Baghdad troops to discover 18 improvised explosive devices in the Rashid District of Baghdad May 23 -24.

Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, together with Companies A and B of 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, found the devices after following tips from citizens in the Doura neighborhood of the city.

“We found these IEDs thanks to peace-loving Iraqis who are obviously tired of the violence and danger in their neighborhoods,” said Col. Ricky D. Gibbs, commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. “Their trust in the Warrior Battalion to successfully act on the information given them is a great news story in East Rashid and serves as a great example for others to follow.”

The Fort Carson, Colo.-based 2-12th Infantry is attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Riley, Kan.

The units were clearing the area in support of Operation Dragon Fire East when they were alerted to the whereabouts of the explosive devices.

The IEDs consisted of one propane tank rigged with explosives, nine antitank mines, one cylinder laden with explosives, a propane tank with wires, another tank filled with homemade explosives, three 155mm artillery rounds and one 120mm artillery round filled with homemade explosives. In all, 160 lbs. of homemade explosives were discovered.

Explosive ordnance disposal units disposed of the munitions and explosives.

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