November 23, 2003
Release Number: 03-11-38

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IRAQIS PREVENT IED ATTACK IN 82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION’S AREA OF OPERATION

ISKANDARIYAH, Iraq – Iraqi civilians warned personnel from the Iraqi Railroad of an improvised explosive device placed on the tracks near Iskandariyah early this morning. The Iraqis flagged down the train to show them exactly where it was located.

The IED was made from three 155mm artillery rounds, all linked together. An explosive ordnance disposal team, attached to the 82nd Airborne Division, arrived at the scene and disarmed the IED. The rail line reopened at approximately 1:00 p.m.

Assistance between the people of the Al Anbar Province and the 82nd Airborne Divsion is increasing each day. The Iraqis’ cooperation with coalition forces is helping the continued effort to turn Iraq into a democratic country.


November 23, 2003
Release Number: 03-11-39

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IRAQI POLICE STATIONS ATTACKED

TIKRIT, IRAQ— In two separate incidents, car bombs were detonated near police stations in Ba’Qubah and Kahnbanisad Nov 22.

Initial reports indicate that seven Iraqi police officers and two civilians were killed and 20 people were wounded in the 8:10 a.m. explosion in Ba’qubah. In the other incident, six police officers and three civilians, including a four-year-old girl, were killed and 10 were wounded in the 8:30 a.m. explosion in Kahnbanisad. Three police officers are still missing in Ba’qubah. No Coalition soldiers were injured.

Maj. Gen. Raymond Odierno, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division and Task Force Ironhorse, expressed his deepest condolences to the families and friends of the murdered police officers and civilians and voiced his outrage, calling the attack a “criminal act.” “The people responsible for this Iraqi-on-Iraqi violence have no regard for innocent lives,” Odierno said. “The families of the police officers killed, along with tens of thousands of other police officers who have taken an oath to bring security and stability to Iraq can take solace in the fact that because of their sacrifice, Iraq will know peaceful freedom and enduring democracy.”