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FOB KALSU, Iraq (June 11, 2008) - Iraqi Army (IA) Soldiers
discovered a huge weapons cache in a rural area southeast of
Hillah, June 6
The cache contained three assembled explosively-formed
projectiles (EFPs), 10 unassembled EFPs, three rocket-propelled
grenade (RPG) launchers, 10 RPGs, 127 blocks of C-4, 15 cameras,
one magnetic IED and two mines.
"The discovery of this cache is another example of the IA's
increasing ability to gather intelligence, process the information
and plan and execute in a timely manner," said Lt. Col. Darryl
McDowell, commander of 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd
Infantry Division. "The Iraqi security forces (ISF) are taking the
lead in confiscating illegal weapons before they can do harm to
[Coalition forces and ISF]. They take great pride in being out
front and they really seem to understand their role in the success
of Iraq as a whole."
Soldiers in 1st Battalion, 31st Brigade, 8th IA Division,
received information from a source and found a cache containing
both complete and partially-assembled explosively-formed
projectiles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers and C-4
explosives.
"This find is significant for two reasons," McDowell said.
"First, more of the population is coming to the IA in the area with
tips and information than ever before. This indicates a level of
trust in the IA that is very encouraging. Second, it does serve as
a reminder of the level of sophistication and production of
(improvised explosive devices) that extremist elements have
reached."
"Extremist and criminal elements throughout AO Scimitar have
been trying to recover from the successful offensive operations
conducted by ISF in late March and early April," McDowell said.
"They are trying to demonstrate a continued ability to conduct
attacks and this will limit their ability to do so."
An explosive ordnance disposal team from Kalsu collected the
cache and disposed of it.
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