CENTCOM PRESS RELEASE

August 5, 2003
Release Number: 03-08-08

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COALITION AND IRAQI POLICE WORK TO MAKE IRAQ SECURE

BAGHDAD, Iraq – In the last 24 hours, coalition forces conducted 25 raids, 885 day patrols and 709 night patrols and conducted 176 day patrols and 165 night patrols jointly with Iraqi police.

Acting on a tip from a local Iraqi that a religious man was firing his weapon at other Iraqis in a Baghdad mosque, 1st Armored Division soldiers along with Iraqi Police officers conducted a raid at the mosque. Two Iraqis were detained and two AK-47s, one rocket-propelled grenade launcher and one rifle were confiscated.

A gun battle observed between two Iraqis was defeated by a 1st AD military police patrol. The patrol gunner fired rounds at the men’s location when one of the men turned toward the patrol causing both men to flee.

An improvised explosive device consisting of a fuel can connected to batteries was discovered in Baghdad by a 1st AD patrol. An explosive ordnance detonation team defused the IED without incident.

Acting on a tip received from a local Iraqi citizen, a raid was conducted by 4th Infantry Division soldiers against individuals suspected in mortar attacks on Coalition forces in Ba’qubah resulting in significant finds. Weapons confiscated in the raid included five 60 mm mortar rounds, three AK-47s, a number of loaded AK-47 magazines, a crate of 7.62 ammunition, one mortar sight, and grenade fuses. Five individuals were detained.

A weapons cache consisting of 50 120 mm mortar rounds was discovered in the Mosul area by 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) soldiers. An EOD team was called to dispose of the cache.