CENTCOM NEWS RELEASES

Please note language that otherwise you might just skip over. In the first news release below note that it says "Iraqi civilians led a joint 1AD and Iraqi police patrol.

Symbolically and psychologically it is HUGE that this was led by Iraqis.

Makin' progress folks!

July 11, 2003
Release Number: 03-07-35


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


COALITION AND IRAQI POLICE WORK TO MAKE IRAQ SECURE (July 11, 2003)

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces continued to strike pockets of resistance in Iraq in the effort to stabilize the former war torn country.

Iraqi civilians led a joint 1st Armored Division military and Iraqi police patrol to an improvised explosive device located over a gas pipeline in a market in Baghdad. The IED turned out to be a hand grenade inside of a soda can. First AD engineers were called to the scene to detonate the IED.

A 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment patrol team detained 31 individuals after observing them stealing ammunition crates from an ammunition storage point in Al Qaim. The 3rd ACR transported the individuals to a detention holding cell in Al Asad for questioning.

In the last 24 hours, the 1st AD conducted five raids resulting in 182 detained individuals and 24 mortar rounds, 12 pistols, five assault rifles, seven rocket-propelled grenades, and four anti-tank rounds confiscated.

Elsewhere, Coalition forces continued aggressive patrols throughout the country over the last 24 hours conducting 26 raids, 1,134-day patrols and 958 night patrols. They also jointly patrolled with the Iraqi Police conducting 205 day patrols and 221 night patrols. On their own, Iraqi Police conducted 10 day and six night patrols.

The total raids and patrols resulted in 99 arrests for various criminal activities including three for murder, three for car jacking, three for aggravated assault, nine for burglary, and 18 for looting.

July 12, 2003
Release Number: 03-07-36


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS FOCUS ON EMPLOYMENT, SCHOOLS

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces continue to help rebuild Iraq through reconstruction and humanitarian aid. Employment issues and school rebuilding have dominated humanitarian efforts over the last 24 hours.

In Karbala, Coalition forces received more than 445 applications for the next Facilities Protection Services training class, which will begin next week. FPS personnel are responsible for guarding power plants, water treatment plants and other infrastructure services.

The selection process for FPS personnel continues in Fallujah as well. So far, Coalition forces have screened 223 FPS personnel, and 68 have completed training. Additionally, Military Police in Fallujah have begun staffing a Quick Reaction Force at the mayor’s office.

In Khanaquin, in the Ba’qubah area, Coalition forces assisted in the selection of more than 50 police department trainees. Trainees have already completed their first week.

Coalition forces are rebuilding communities in the Baghdad area through the efforts of soldiers involved in Task Force Neighborhood. Task Force Neighborhood is a partnership between Coalition forces and Iraqi civilians. U.S. soldiers and Iraqi civilians in Baghdad are working together to rebuild the Community Center in the Ad Hamiyah district. Many members of the community, including children, are volunteering their time on this project.

Also in Baghdad, Coalition forces reviewed the progress of a project to refurbish the 17th of July High School for girls in the Kadhimyah district. Coalition forces purchased chairs, desks, air conditioners and laboratory equipment for the school at a cost of $4,749. The school’s administrator stated that the project has made a significant impact on both students and teachers.


July 12, 2003
Release Number: 03-07-37


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


ONE DEAD, ONE WOUNDED IN NON-HOSTILE FIRE INCIDENT

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Two 4th Infantry Division soldiers were wounded and one subsequently died from a non-hostile gunshot incident.

Both soldiers were evacuated to the 21st Combat Support Hospital for treatment.

The names of the soldiers are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The incident is currently under investigation.