VBIED and Weapons Caches Destroyed Near Balad

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
Release A070606a

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed two terrorists, detained 11 suspected terrorists and destroyed several explosive caches during an operation June 2-4 northeast of Balad.

During the two-day operation targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq activities in the area, Coalition Forces detained 11 suspected terrorists for their involvement with al-Qaeda, uncovered seven weapons caches and found a fully assembled vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.

As Coalition helicopters were dropping off the assault force to begin the operation, the helicopters began receiving small arms fire. The assault force on the ground also began receiving small arms fire, and Coalition Forces, acting appropriately to eliminate the threat, called in an air strike to engage the enemy. Two terrorists armed with AK-47s and grenades were killed.

Coalition Forces discovered the VBIED set back from the road and concealed with tall vegetation. The truck was equipped with a bomb and trigger devices, and four 55-gallon barrels of chemicals were found next to the VBIED. An explosives team destroyed the bomb on site, which temporarily set fire to the surrounding brush. Local emergency crews quickly responded to the location, but the fire extinguished itself with no damage to dwellings or livestock.

Local Iraqis led Coalition Forces to seven separate weapons caches in the area. One of the caches was concealed in a small, man-made cave and contained a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, RPG rounds, a light machine gun, anti-personnel rounds, various ammunition, four bayonets, military-style assault vests and black masks. Another cache buried in a barrel contained small arms, a gas mask and chemical agent first aid kit, five assault vests and 1,000 rounds of ammunition.

Five of the caches contained military-style uniform components, including Iraqi Army uniforms, U.S. military-issue boots, camouflage clothing and black masks, as well as anti-aircraft artillery rounds, small arms and electronics.

“The people are choosing to reject Al-Qaeda’s vision for Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Our continuing operations to eliminate the weapons of the terrorists disrupt their ability to attack innocent Iraqis.”