CENTCOM NEWS RELEASES

September 6, 2003
Release Number: 03-09-05

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WEAPONS CACHE DISCOVERED IN 3rd BRIGADE AREA

MOSUL, Iraq - The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is making significant progress to find and destroy weapons caches in the 3rd Brigade area of operations.

Local sources led 2nd Battalion soldiers to an enemy weapons cache south of Bajar. The cache consisted of a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, four AK47s, one 9mm pistol, one assault rifle, 38 RPG booster rockets, 500 rounds of machinegun ammunition, 21 loaded AK 47 magazines, and 12 boxes of 12 gage shotgun shells.

People in and around the 3rd Brigade area of operations continue to come forward and inform soldiers of weapons cache locations.

The division’s 3rd Brigade, known as “The Rakassans” are responsible for the area west of Mosul extending to the Syrian border.


September 6, 2003
Release Number: 03-09-06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IRAQI WORKERS, COALITION SOLDIERS RESTORE MOSUL’S ZOO

MOSUL, Iraq – Quartermaster soldiers assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) along with 42 Iraqis have taken on the mission of restoring the Mosul City Zoo.

Although the unit’s primary mission is to issue bulk fuel to the 101st Airborne Division, the soldiers of the 102nd Quartermaster Company, with the help of Iraqi citizens have cleaned up the grounds in and around the zoo.

The project gives the Iraqi workers, many of whom are former soldiers, a way to support their families while empowering them to get involved with rebuilding their community. As the Iraqis and 101st soldiers work together to clean the grounds and cages they share their experiences, allowing the opportunity for cultural exchange.

The Mosul Zoo had fallen into severe neglect with more than half of its animals dying due to lack of food, water and care. The primary water source for the zoo is an antiquated well, which became contaminated when the remains of a horse fell into it. Undergrowth surrounded the cages, which became littered with dead animals, dirt and debris. Weather, neglect and looters caused degradation to the electrical wiring and lighting fixtures leaving the overall facility’s condition in shambles.

Now that the grounds are cleaned, major repairs are underway. These include cleaning and sanitizing the old well, digging a new well and installing a new water distribution system. Wiring and lighting will be next and then the buildings will receive a fresh coat of paint.