CENTCOM PRESS RELEASES

August 3, 2003
Release Number: 03-08-06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COALITION AND IRAQI POLICE WORK TO MAKE IRAQ SECURE

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Former regime loyalist and weapons were seized in numerous successful raids and patrols conducted by Coalition forces throughout Iraq on August 2.

Raids conducted by the 4th Infantry Division resulted in 26 detainees including two suspected key mid-level former regime loyalists. Additionally, 162 hand grenades, 9 rocket-propelled grenades, 10 AK-47’s, four blocks of dynamite one heavy machine gun, various ammunition and explosives, and 200 million Iraqi Dinar were seized.

Twenty former regime loyalists, including a targeted leader, were captured in a series of raids conducted by the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment on August 3.

In the last 24 hours, coalition forces conducted 22 raids, 836 day patrols and 605 night patrols and conducted 154 day patrols and 164 night patrols jointly with Iraqi police.


August 3, 2003
Release Number: 03-08-07

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COALITION EFFORTS AID IRAQ'S RECOVERY

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A school has been reconstructed virtually from the ground up in a small village near Ar Ramadi. Soldiers from the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment helped rebuild the school in a move to put it together the right way when it had been built originally in the wrong way.

The villagers’ school in the town of Abutiban now has a new roof, a bathroom, water tanks, fans, windows and chalkboards thanks to engineers from the 3rd ACR and soldiers from the 490th Civil Affairs Battalion from Abilene, Tex. The school was originally constructed three years ago when Saddam Hussein ordered it to be built in three days. Since the people lacked the money with which to purchase the proper building materials the school was built haphazardly. As a result, its roof sagged badly, it had no electricity and no toilet facilities. Through their efforts Coalition forces have provided the people of Abutiban with what amounts to a whole new school.

Also near Ar Ramadi, Coalition forces and members of the new Interim Governate Council of Al Anbar met Aug. 1 for the first time to discuss issues related to security, employment, water and electricity. The Interim Governate Council represents all seven districts in Al Anbar province. The council’s formation represents a milestone toward democracy and self government for the people of Al Anbar.

Near Tikrit, 4th Infantry Division engineers and civil affairs soldiers this week finished repairs to two water pumps in Shayke Gassim Eldori, a village five kilometers south of Ad Dawr. As a result of the efforts of soldiers from the 4th ID, the water treatment facility can now provide the normal water supply to the Ad Dawr populace and its surrounding communities.