CENTCOM NEWS RELEASES

August 1, 2003
Release Number: 03-08-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ATTACKS AVOIDED, WEAPONS CONFISCATED IN NORTHERN IRAQ

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Possible attacks were foiled and prevented as Coalition forces disrupted a rocket-propelled grenade attack on a fuel convoy and located a large weapons cache in northern Iraq.

A rocket-propelled grenade ambush attack in northwest Iraq was foiled by soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at approximately 5 p.m. on July 31 by engaging and wounding an individual before he could fire the RPG accurately. The individual was captured and received medical care for leg wounds at a Coalition medical facility.

A large amount of ammunition and weapons were found and confiscated at a refugee camp located approximately 80 km northwest of Kirkuk by the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 101st AAD on July 29. The 101st AAD declared an amnesty period, when weapons could be turned in without fear of punishment, on July 30.

The total confiscated weapons cache included 745 RPGs, more than 3,730 rounds of ammunition, 41 fragmentary grenades, 11 air defense artillery missiles and a number of various other weapons.

The confiscated ammunition is systematically destroyed by EOD as caches are brought in. The small arms weapons are checked and usable weapons are reissued to Iraqi Policemen, the New Iraqi Army and members of the Coalition Provisional Authority security force.

In the last 24 hours, coalition forces conducted 27 raids, 692 day patrols and 618 night patrols and conducted 112 day patrols and 169 night patrols jointly with Iraqi police.

August 1, 2003
Release Number: 03-08-02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALTERED PHOTOS OF SADDAM HUSSEIN

TAMPA, FL – Coalition forces were issued altered photos of Saddam Hussein on Thursday to better help them recognize the former dictator who may have changed his appearance to elude capture.

Copies of the photos can be found by clicking the Saddam Pictures link at www.centcom.mil.


August 1, 2003
Release Number: 03-08-03


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


SOLDIER DIES OF GUNSHOT WOUND

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A 1st Armored Division soldier died August 1 of a gunshot wound received at approximately 7:30 p.m. on July 31.

The soldier was standing outside when a bullet, fired from a celebrating Iraqi, struck him.

The soldier was evacuated to the 28th Combat Support Hospital and subsequently died.

The soldier’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.