EXCERPTS FROM CENTCOM NEWS RELEASE

Note the progress on closing the border, and a brief appearance by Al Stupidah

CORDON AND SEARCHES LEAD TO CAPTURE OF ARMS DEALERS

RAMADI, Iraq – The 82nd Airborne Division and its subordinate units continued missions over the last day to bring peace and prosperity to the residents of the Al Anbar province.

During the last 24 hours, the 82nd Airborne Division and subordinate units conducted 203 patrols, 12 of which were joint patrols with Iraqis, and carried out four offensive operations. During these operations one enemy was wounded and 18 captured. Entry was denied to 55 personnel at Trebil all due to insufficient documentation.

Paratroopers from 3rd Brigade conducted a cordon and search in Fallujah. While conducting the operation, an Iraqi male walked out of a house with an automatic weapon and pointed it at the soldiers. The paratroopers immediately engaged and wounded the man. He was evacuated to FOB St. Mere for surgery and is in stable condition. The operation resulted in the capture of five enemy personnel, including one of the primary targets – a weapons dealer who has conducted attacks on coalition forces in the past. Also confiscated in the target area were an AK-47, 300 rounds of ammunition, a pistol, and a bayonet.