Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Arabian Peninsula

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics, with coalition forces advisers, discovered and destroyed weapons caches in western and northern Iraq in separate operations on Jan. 28 and Feb. 1.

During the operation in western Iraq, Jan. 28, elements of Habbaniyah SWAT destroyed a weapons cache west of Baghdad. The discovery of this weapons cache may help disrupt logistical re-supply rotes for an active terrorist cell.

"We intend to continue to work with SWAT to target insurgent activities," said the operation commander.

The cache consisted of 153 PE-4A plastic explosives; 32 blasting caps; an electric wire roll; a copper wire roll; four 82-mm mortar rounds; 13 mortar primers; 26 rocket fuse boosters; seven rocket-propelled-grenade-propellant tubes; a propellant charge; three heat RPGs; a 73-mm projectile; an RPG launcher; 73 7.92x30-mm, German-made KZ-43 rounds; 109 7.62 mm rifle grenade ignition cartridges; a German Sturmgewehr, World War II era assault rifle; 44 shotgun flares; and two mortar, sight-in tools.

"The removal of these high-power, plastic explosives; materials for constructing improvised explosive devices; and other ordnance significantly reduced the enemy's ability to conduct lethal operations during elections and in the future," said the CF commander.

In a separate operation in northern Iraq, Mandali SWAT conducted an operation Feb. 1 and recovered a weapons cache allegedly used by an active terrorist cell in the Nidah Tribal Region.

The cache consisted of four RPG-7 launchers; 10 anti-personnel RPG rounds; 15 7.62x39 mm loaded magazines; a bipod, sight and extractor for a 60-mm mortar round; a belt and can of 7.62x54R ammunition; four fused AP grenades; three mortar propellant charges; 12 anti-tank RPG rounds; two RPG boosters; a PKC machine gun barrel; and two extra grenade initiators.

"The regular disruption by Iraqi security forces elements in known areas where insurgent activities are taking place will reduce enemy reconsolidation zones," said the CF commander.

These operations were directed toward thwarting terrorist activities as the government of Iraq demonstrates a determination to restore safety and stability to the people of Iraq.

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