The Administration Affairs School held its first Barber Course graduation ceremony at Camp Taji here March 1. The seven graduates, from five Iraqi Army divisions, gained new tonsorial skills they will use immediately to support the soldiers in their units.

The course, which began Feb. 1, included training in sanitation and hygiene, familiarization with the tools and equipment, barber history and shaving techniques during the practical exercises. All soldiers met the minimum requirements on theoretical and practical assessments for completion of the course.

“I am Infantry, so I have learned something new,” said Pvt. Ali Abd Alameer, 8th Division. “I will use what I have learned with the soldiers at my unit.”

At the graduation ceremony, Brig. Gen. Abd Al Kareem, commander of the school, presented each student with a certificate of completion for the course and congratulated them on being the first students to graduate from the class.

The students were enthusiastic about returning to their units to put their new knowledge and skills into practice.

“The knowledge I have gained here will be very useful,” said Pvt. Mohammed Kareem Ali from the 8th Division. “I will cut soldiers’ hair at my unit.”

The next course is planned for later this year.

US Forces – Iraq

An Iraqi man hooks chains onto the lifting points of a concrete barrier as the barriers are removed from a marketplace in Samarra, Iraq, March 23, 2009. This was the first step in a citywide barrier removal project.

Scores of Samarra citizens joined provincial and community leaders March 23 to attend a concrete barrier removal ceremony reminiscent of the opening of the Berlin wall nearly twenty years ago.

The concrete barriers, commonly known as “T-walls,” surround several government and military buildings throughout Samarra to provide a layer of protection against insurgent attacks. While T-walls have become a familiar site in Iraq, they are a sign of more dangerous times, and most citizens agree it’s time for them to go.

Samarra’s mayor, Mahmood Khalaf Ahmed, joined Lt. Col. Sam Whitehurst, commander, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and citizens from all over the city of Samarra to witness the first step in a city-wide barrier removal project.

“Samarra has become very peaceful,” said Omar Khaled, a local produce shop owner. “The barriers remind us of bad times,” Khaled continued, “but it is time to look toward the future and enjoy our peace. It is time to reopen Samarra.”

To the sound of cheering and clapping, a young Iraqi man dressed in sweatpants and sandals strapped hooked chains onto the lifting points of the barriers. Ten individual barriers were lifted, removed and placed on a flat-bed truck.

Both Ahmed and Whitehurst spoke with Iraqi media, echoing Khaled’s sentiment.

“The people of Samarra have a sense of security now,” said Ahmed, “a security they have not known in many years.”

“Many exciting events have transpired in Samarra over our last five months here,” said Whitehurst. “Today is, without a doubt, the most exciting of those events.”

Whitehurst concluded by saying “the progress and security that has come to Samarra is a direct result of the cooperation and partnership of the Samarran people. None of this would be possible without your help.”

The site selected for the initial barrier removal is in a section of Samarra that was once used for public executions in darker days. Today it is a peaceful marketplace.

The removed barriers will be given to the Iraqi Army and used for security around military compounds.

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This is a very big deal, considering the terrorist problems in the region just two years ago.

Camp Ramadi was signed over to the Iraq government in a memorandum of agreement signed by Iraqi army and U.S. military officials at Camp Ali, Iraq Tuesday.

Camp Ali, which is a segment of Camp Ramadi occupied by the Iraqi army, is located about 70 miles west of Baghdad in Ar Ramadi, the provincial capital of the Al Anbar Province. The MOA was signed by Staff Brig. Gen. Adel, the commander of the First Quick Reaction Force Brigade, Iraqi army, headquartered at Camp Ali, and U.S. Army Col. Ronald Kapral, the commander of Camp Ramadi and the 81st Brigade Combat Team, Washington Army National Guard. The memorandum was a tenant agreement of sorts. It outlined the areas that will be used by Coalition forces through 2011.

The signing over of Camp Ramadi is a step toward Coalition forces pulling out and handing complete responsibility and control back over to the Iraqis.

“Signing over of Ramadi is more symbolism than it is an actual event,” said Kapral. “It shows that the U.S. military and the Coalition forces are starting to prepare to turn over and demilitarize the bases that we have been using for the past five years.

“If you look at what has been done in the past five years, the Iraqi army has started taking responsibility for their actions. They’re starting to support themselves.

“They are proving training we have given them over the past three years is starting to pay off,” Kapra said. “The Iraqi Army wants to take charge of their country, wants their bases and wants to provide the security for the people of Iraq.”

Ar Ramadi was a center of Sunni insurgent resistance in the years following the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. The area is now better known as one of Iraq’s biggest success stories.

Coalition forces took possession of Camp Ramadi, formerly known as Camp Junction City, in 2003 shortly after the ground offensive. Since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Ar Ramadi has had a handful of bases occupied by Coalition forces returned to the Iraq government. Camp Ramadi is now one of the last Coalition-only bases left in the Ar Ramadi area.

Although the signing marks a big step for the Iraqi government and leaders of Coalition forces, the majority of the troops stationed on Camp Ramadi will notice little change, if any.

“For those of us who physically live on Camp Ramadi, it really doesn’t change the normal day-to-day operations. What it does mean, from a long-term perspective, is that Coalition Forces are giving back the bases and land to the Iraqis, due to their sovereignty,” said Lt. Col. Kevin McMahan, the Camp Ramadi operations officer.

Force protection measures will not be changed. All camp improvement projects will continue. Iraqis will take a look at the buildings on Camp Ramadi to see if it is something they want to keep. The physical structures built on Camp Ramadi will either be prepared to be handed over in 2011 or torn down. Part of the agreement is for Coalition forces to put the base back to the way they found it.

The Iraqi army and the Iraqi Police have been taking control much more, as Coalition Forces have been stepping into the background.

“From my personal opinion, it is the beginning of the end. We are posturing to give back bases to the Iraqis. This will allow us to take a more supportive role,” said McMahan.

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In a ceremony at Hope Chapel on Victory Base Complex Nov. 29, a contingent of military forces from Bosnia-Herzegovina was honored by their Coalition partners for their service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The historic event marked the end of a commitment that started in June 2005.

“This is a historic day for the nation of Iraq and for the nation of Bosnia-Herzegovina,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Ferriter, deputy commanding general for operations, Multi-National Corps – Iraq, “It is also a bittersweet day since we must farewell a long time partner of the Coalition but in doing so recognize that their departure represents a great success that has been achieved here in Iraq, success that could not be achieved without their support.”

While the Bosnian-Herzegovina troop numbers were less than 150 soldiers, the commitment was seemingly larger considering the conflicts within their own country.
“Bosnia-Herzegovina has recently come out of a tragic conflict,” said Brig. Gen. Stamenko Novakovic, commander of the 6th Infantry Brigade Bosnia-Herzegovina Armed Forces. “The country is not fully recovered … but we understand the situation in Iraq, and the suffering of the Iraqi people. We found strength to contribute to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“We hope the Soldiers from Bosnia-Herzegovina met their tasks with success and fulfilled your and our expectations and justified invested efforts. To the brotherly people of Iraq we wish that just like in our country that you can overcome every trouble and advance peace and prosperity,” he said.

Making up the Bosnia-Herzegovina contingent were two forces – armed forces security and the explosive ordnance disposal units. The explosive ordnance units provided support to Multi-National Force – West and Multi-National Division – Central. Meanwhile, the infantry element of the Bosnian-Herzegovina forces provided support on Victory Base Complex for Multi-National Division – Bagdad.

Working side-by-side with members of 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment of the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, MND-B, the Bosnian-Herzegovina soldiers assisted in base defense by working in tower security operations as well as internal presence patrols. A total of 49 Bosnian-Herzegovina soldiers added to Company B, 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment, 39th IBCT, force protection efforts on VBC.

“Our biggest concern at first was the language barrier; however, we quickly realized they had six or seven Soldiers that spoke passable English, which was far better than what we spoke of their language,” said Lt. Col. Brad Cox, commander, 1st Bn., 153rd Inf. Regt. “Soldiers on both sides showed a lot of patience, which led to the building of a great relationship in a short time period. Ultimately, the Bosnian-Herzegovina Soldiers performed side-by-side with our troops, and their performance was no different. Capt. (Dragan) Malic’ (Security Unit Leader) is an outstanding officer, and I rate him against any Soldier in the Army or the world for that matter.”

As the ceremony progressed, Malic’ and Maj. Ibro Alispahic, commander of troops, were presented the United States Army Commendation Medal for their service. As Col. Kendall Penn, commander, 39th IBCT, MND-B, pinned the medal to Malic’s uniform, the two Soldiers, from opposite sides of the world, rendered a salute symbolizing the bond between the Coalition forces in Iraq.

Following the two awards to Malic and Alsipahic, Penn and Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Veazey, senior enlisted leader, 39th IBCT, presented the Army Achievement Medal to all of the Bosnia-Herzegovina soldiers for services rendered Aug. 27 to Dec. 2008.

“Today was a significant event that the 39th brigade is proud to be associated with,” said Penn. “The ‘Bowie Brigade’ has worked with a lot of professional soldiers, both national and international, since arriving in country in March, and I can tell you these are some of the finest soldiers we’ve had the privilege of working with here in Iraq. I’m convinced that the struggles they’ve faced in their own country have made them an even stronger contributor to the future of Iraq—they understand the challenges faced by Iraq.”

Addressing the Bosnian-Herzegovina Soldiers, Maj. Gen. Khudaier Abass of the Iraqi Army, Multi-National Force – Iraq CJ5 Coalition, pointed out that while he spoke English he didn’t want anything lost to translation. “I will speak in Arabic this time as I want to mean every single word that I’m going to say. In English, I can’t express it in the way I want to feel it from my heart toward our friends, our brothers from Bosnia.”

And while his words had to be translated twice, through English and then Bosnian, his heartfelt thanks from the nation of Iraq seemed clear.

“On behalf of the Iraqi Army and all Iraqi people I give thanks and admiration. Bosnia has been through similar circumstances as Iraq is going through now,” Abass said. “Bosnia today provides support and help to our country. We will never forget this help the Iraqi people, the next generation—for what the Bosnian Armed Forces did for Iraq. Iraq is moving forward in the democratic process, development and reconstruction. All of this is due to the help of the Bosnian friendly forces.”

Abass paused for a moment, and then provided an invitation to the soldiers in the room to one day come back to Iraq—as guests.

“God willing, we will meet in the near future in Iraq, and at that time, you and your family will be our guest,” he said. “I wish Bosnia and its’ people prosperity and progress and may God help the Coalition forces and their families.”

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The Government of Iraq, with a few Coalition forces, reached out to the Lahijia tribe, a sub tribe of the Abbu Muhammed tribe, of Iraq’s Marsh Arabs near Basra Nov. 2.

The humanitarian aid mission was led by the Iraqi Army, provincial councils, local veterinarians and community leaders. It was supported by a small group of British and American forces, and is part of a bigger GoI program to reach out to the marsh area’s population and include them in the Government of Iraq.

“The mission was to treat the people of the Rota village near Basra,” said Yousif Yousif, physician, Iraqi advisory task force, 44th Medical Command. “We saw about 450 men, women and children. Most of the cases were simple.”

The marsh area, drained by Saddam Hussein after the first Gulf War, is home to a majority of the Marsh Arab population that has not left.

“In the past, the marsh tribes were persecuted by the old regime. They were treated horribly,” said Maj. Scott Roberts, deputy, reconciliation cell, Multi-National Corps – Iraq. “There is no running water, or electricity. Most of them don’t even have shoes and they have not had a school for the children to attend in the Rota village since 1977.”

The Iraqi Army has advanced from supporting security operations to executing support missions and aiding the government in providing support to the people of Iraq in locations still in their infant stages.

“Iraq is a country gaining strength, and to solidify that strength it is developing its capacity to deliver essential services and reconcile with its population, not just in urban areas,” Roberts said. “They were able to bring medical support to and really reach out to the population with just a small Coalition force presence.”

“Two weeks ago, when a small Coalition force advisory team visited the village, there was only one elderly man present. The others were either in hiding or out working,” Roberts said. “Now, after being told that the Government of Iraq was coming to help by bringing them humanitarian assistance, all of the men showed up, to include some of the younger ones.”

The mission not only provided medicine, food and blankets, but it also renewed the relationship between the Marsh Arabs and the GoI.

“The Iraqi Army planned the operation very well. All the doctors and nursing staff were fantastic in treating people and running the combined medical engagement,” Yousif said. “I consider the mission a great success. A great deal of the patients were satisfied with the level of care we were able to provide.”

“The humanitarian assistance mission built a relationship between the population and its own government to gain control and dominance of its country with its own institutions and it was a great success,” Roberts said. “It was a great meeting. When the day began, there was a feeling of uncertainty, and in the end the Iraqi Army the tribe members were dancing with each other sharing tribal songs.”

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Another ally working alongside the new Iraqi Army.

Iraqi Army soldiers and Macedonian Rangers attached to Multi-National Division – Baghdad, uncovered weapons caches in Baghdad Sept. 9.

While on patrol the Macedonian Rangers discovered a cache north of Baghdad at approximately 2:30 p.m. The weapons included two inert 550 French-manufactured air-to-air missiles and a 185 mm high-explosive projectile.

At approximately 11:30 p.m. soldiers serving with 1st Battalion, 54th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, along with its attached MND – B Military Transition Team, found a cache while on a cordon and search mission in Baghdad’s Mansour district. The cache included five concussion grenades, an RPG-7 rocket-propelled grenade, multiple wireless radio communications and monitoring equipment and a Special Groups platoon roster.

“Our Coalition forces partners, the Macedonian Rangers and the Iraqi Army, continue to make a difference every day by removing these weapons from the streets of Baghdad,” said Maj. Mark Cheadle, spokesman, MND-B and the 4th Infantry Division. “Together, we are helping to make Baghdad a safer place by disrupting Special Groups and preventing their attacks on local citizens.”

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For more than a year, the former Ba’ath Party stronghold of Siniyah was without its main thoroughfare for trade and commerce, but that all changed as the city’s Mayor officially opened Market Street during a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 26.

More than 40 shops and small businesses were forced to close due to the lack of business when the restriction of the road was announced in July of 2007.

The Joint Security Station located near the market area was vulnerable to vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, causing Iraqi Security and Coalition forces to take measures ensuring the safety of the forces housed there.

Market Street was also closed due to the high levels of violence and the significant number of attacks the area was experiencing.

“Shop owners were anxious to reopen their shops,” said Capt. Aaron Billingsley, commander of U.S. forces in Siniyah.

The recent successes in Siniyah are directly contributed to the hard work of the joint efforts by the Iraqi Police, Iraqi Army, Sons of Iraq, City Council, Coalition forces and the people of Siniyah, Billingsley said. There is now an opportunity for them to improve the local economy in the city.

“There are micro-grants and micro-loans that will be offered to some of the shops,” said Billingsley. “This will help them expand their businesses and revitalize the economy.”

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Corporal Sam Weaver, from Fayetteville, N.C., an assistant team leader with Company B, 13th Psychological Operations Battalion, talks to residents of the city of Suwayrah in northern Wasit province. As part of a patrol with Soldiers of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment. Weaver spoke with citizens to learn about their views and concerns on several issues.

Walking down the busy streets of Suwayrah at sundown, the city’s residents met Soldiers with handshakes and friendly smiles. Children gathered everywhere the Soldiers stopped to talk to residents.

As the patrol of Soldiers from 1st Platoon, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment continued on its way, the children followed, practicing their English and enjoying the early evening stroll.

“Wherever we roll, it’s like a parade,” said Sgt. Robert Delong, an infantryman from central Minnesota, whose previous deployment to Iraq was in Ramadi. This time around, he said, things are different.

Soldiers of Co. B, 2nd Bn., 6th Inf. Regt. conducted joint patrols with their Iraqi army counterparts in the northern Wasit province, July 10. The patrol was not only a way of showing their presence, but to gather information on local businesses and to hear local citizens’ concerns.

Soldiers of Co. B’s 1st Plt. began their day with an early morning patrol in Raminiyah, along the west bank of the Tigris River, visiting Sons of Iraq checkpoints and talking with local citizens and community leaders. In the rural parts of Co. B’s area, where there are few police, the SoI help keep the roads safe and prevent insurgents and weapons from coming into the area. It’s an around-the-clock task, and many of the checkpoints have tents or shelters nearby where SoI members rest between shifts.

The Soldiers of Co. B, attached to the 1st Bn., 76th Field Artillery Regt., 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, make sure the checkpoints are manned and the SoI have what they need as part of their patrols.

Later, they met up with IA Soldiers of the 3rd Bde., 2nd IA Div. in the city of Suwayrah. After pairing up with their IA “battle buddies,” the Soldiers conducted a joint patrol on foot, taking them through the city’s main streets.

“At this stage we try to get the population on our side,” Delong said. “We try to maintain their happiness and give them things that they need. Basically, we ask them what they need, and we take notes.”

“It’s been unusual for me, because I’m not used to working with the population. This deployment, it’s candy and sunshine every day. People come out of their houses to see you. It’s been difficult for a lot of us vets to get used to. It’s just like talking to friends back home.”

Another difference Delong noted is the quiet.

“When I go to sleep, I don’t hear bombs going off. I don’t hear gunfire,” he said.

In recent years, Suwayrah has been a relative island of peace in comparison to its neighbors to the north and west. Since Company B arrived here more than two months ago, there have been no attacks aimed at coalition forces, said Capt. Dustin Ornatowski, commander of Company B. With little insurgent or criminal activity in the area, his company’s main mission now is to help local citizens repair damaged infrastructure and build their economy, he said.

“Economics and infrastructure are the biggest problems in this area,” said Ornatowski, of Edwardsburg, Mich. “You’re always going to have leftover insurgency elements and criminal elements wherever you go. Right now, those elements are not actively fighting against us in this area,” he said.

Company B Soldiers are working to identify key leaders and find out what the communities in their area need the most. Currently, they hear mostly of the need for reliable electricity and water pumps to keep the region’s irrigation canals flowing, said Ornatowski. Many pumps are damaged or missing, and getting them running again is necessary to supply farmers in the area.

“The [citizens] are expecting us to come in here and help them get infrastructure working,” Ornatowski said. “That’s going to be the hardest thing.”

Gathering information on local businesses, schools and hospitals is a vital part of their patrols, said Ornatowski. Working with the IA helps them to get that information, as well as puts an Iraqi face on the mission, he said. Partnering his Soldiers with IA Soldiers also helps to foster mutual trust and cooperation. One thing Company B Soldiers took note of was the number of businesses owned by women, something they hope to encourage with micro-grants and working with community groups.

“Now that we’ve been working with them a little more, they’ve started to get to know my Soldiers and see how my Soldiers interact with the people, and they’re more willing to do joint projects,” said Ornatowski.

“They’re feeling us out as much as we’re feeling them out,” he said.

Though Company B is committed to helping residents in their area help with projects, Delong said establishing trust is the first priority.

“The IA absolutely love going out on missions. They tell us what buildings are what. They like working with us and we like working with them,” he said. “We don’t promise anything, but we always tell them we will do the best we can, and they appreciate everything we do,” he said.

Besides helping to get reconstruction projects going, Ornatowski said establishing trust has direct benefits for his Soldiers as well.

“That’s the best thing we can do,” he said. “Then, if criminal elements move into the area and attempt to fight us or take direct action against us, the populace will be the first ones to let us know about that.”

DVIDS
By Sgt. David Turner
4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

Iraqi Army soldiers working to secure the area in the Sadr City district of Baghdad uncovered weapons caches July 9.

At approximately 2 p.m., Iraqi Army soldiers seized four 120 mm mortars, an 82 mm mortar, a 60 mm mortar and four 30 mm rockets. The weapons were later turned in to Mulit-National Division Soldiers at a joint security station.

At approximately 7:15 p.m., soldiers with the 44th Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division, found 171 copper blocks. [ed. note - used for IEDs]

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Bill is still in Iraq, and in his latest post he describes the status of the Iraqi Army. As always, a well written and expert analysis from someone who is there.

Time had little effect on the strands of razor-sharp concertina wire that spanned hundreds of meters and split Ali’s farmland except to dull its original purpose – security. Located on the outer wall of Camp Slayer on the Victory Base Complex in Baghdad, the fence was originally constructed sometime during the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom more than five years ago. But until early June, it served no purpose but to divide.

In the small community of Radwaniyah, west of Baghdad International airport, an Iraqi farmer simply wanted to be able to access his fields without the seemingly unnecessary long walk-a-rounds resulting from the wire. He had wanted to take the fence down himself; however, he was afraid the coalition forces overlooking his farm from the towers might shoot him.

“I happy to do work taking poles out of ground, but don’t want someone to shoot me because I was stealing,” said Ali, who speaks relatively good English. “I talked to captain (Cesaro) when he drove by and I asked him if I could move it. I thank him very much. Good man.”

Although a handshake was enough to seal the deal for the young Army captain, he provided Ali with a business card explaining he had permission to take the fence down and Coalition forces would assist in the effort. Ali now proudly keeps the card in his wallet and proudly boasts about the friend he has made in Capt. Vincent Cesaro, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

Previously, the wire was designed to keep the Iraqi army out. Yet, in an ironic twist, the division provided by the fence would now serve as an opportunity to bring three forces together again—Iraqi army, coalition forces and Iraqi citizens—which is the focus for the Coalition. Ultimately, the coalition forces strive to turn Iraq to Iraqi control.

“I think it says a lot about the Iraqi Army that they were willing to come out and join us for this mission,” said Cesaro. “Every week we’re looking for opportunity for IA and Coalition forces to work together, and in this case, these guys had just gotten in from patrols at three in the morning, yet, they still came out here.”

With temperatures in Baghdad reaching more than 100 degrees, the Soldiers joined forces with these local farmers and began dismantling the fence. Constructed of 300 plus rolls of concertina wire and six-foot tall metal posts dug deep into the hardened earth, the two-day mission was very challenging at times. Weeds had grown around the wire which oftentimes required the strength of a vehicle to pull it free.

In between work periods, these Soldiers were able to learn more about one another – with the benefit of two interpreters – and, yet again, continuing to build on their relationship.

“Soldiers are Soldiers, and the IA guys are really interested in talking with our guys; building camaraderie, and most important, we’re getting the job done and building a better Iraq,” said Cesaro. “For me, it’s just real neat to see the progress.”

By Maj. Craig Heathscott
39th Brigade Combat Team, Multi-National Division – Baghdad

It looks like the Iraqis and our guys have been on a collection spree in Baghdad. Collecting, not fighting, is a very good thing and an encouraging sign that the people of Baghdad want peace back.

IA soldiers discover weapons caches in Sadr City

Iraqi Army seizes large cache of rockets

Iraqi Army, MND-B seize four caches throughout Baghdad

INPs, MND-B Soldiers confiscate weapons caches throughout Baghdad

Iraqi Army soldiers seized a weapons cache June 5 in Sadr City, marking the 100th cache the soldiers have seized since Operation Peace began May 20.

Iraqi Army soldiers from the 9th and 11th Iraqi Army Divisions are patrolling Sadr City to help protect citizens from the violence of Special Groups criminals that are operating in the neighborhoods.

IA soldiers have seized 114 improvised explosive devices, 60 explosively formed projectiles, 295 mortar rounds, 242 rocket propelled grenades, 163 homemade hand grenades,123 grenades, 109 anti-tank mines,11 rockets, six helicopter rockets, four anti-aircraft rockets, 21 tank rounds, 367 AK-47s, 41 artillery rounds, 39 RPG launchers, 23 mortar tubes, 11 rocket rails, 10 RPKs, six PKCs, seven machine guns, 24 rifles, 22 Siminov sniper rifles, eight pistols, an anti-aircraft gun, 62 kilograms of TNT, a crate of TNT, seven sticks of TNT, 20 one-liter cans of TNT, a box of TNT with ball bearings, other homemade explosives, bomb-making materials and a government truck.

“The Iraqi Army and its soldiers are true professionals and are diligently striving to safeguard the Iraqi people,” said Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff of Multi-National Division – Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division. “In less than a month, they have removed 100 caches of deadly weapons and munitions from the Sadr City District of Baghdad alone. That in itself is a remarkable accomplishment.”

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Iraqi Army soldiers seized weapons and munitions in the Sadr City district of Baghdad June 6 in their continuing efforts to improve security in the area.

The IA soldiers with 3rd Brigade, 1st IA Division, seized a BKC machine gun, 500 BKC rounds and a grenade at approximately 5:30 a.m.

At approximately the same time, soldiers with 3rd Bde., 1st IA Div., seized a cache consisting of four improvised-explosive devices, two 155 mm rounds, two sniper rifles, a sniper scope, a rocket-propelled grenade anti-tank round, two RPG-7 anti-personnel rounds, a 60 mm mortar tube and a RPG-7 launcher.

Soldiers from the same unit also seized a RPG-7 scope at approximately 6 a.m.

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Iraqi Army Soldiers uncovered weapons caches in the Sadr City district of Baghdad June 4, as they continued conducting operations to increase the area’s safety.

Iraqi Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st IA Division, discovered a weapons cache at approximately 6:30 a.m. The weapons included an RPK light machine gun, 11 AK-47 rifles, six AK-47 magazines, four of which were full, 40 PKC light machine gun rounds, 100 AK-47 rounds, two ski masks and assorted Special Groups propaganda.

Iraqi Army Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Bde, 1st IA Div., seized seven AK-47 rifles around the same time.

At approximately 8 a.m., Soldiers with the 1st Bn., 3rd Bde., 1st IA Div., seized an explosively formed penetrator and 19 rocket-propelled grenades.

About 30 minutes later, Soldiers from the same unit seized three EFPs, two RPG-7 launchers, a box of mortar fuses and a 12.7 mm machine gun.

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Solders from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, discovered 20 grenade fuses, a box of grenade parts, and 300 ammunition rounds at approximately 12:20 p.m. northwest of Baghdad.

Soldiers from 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., found a 120mm mortar round, a rocket, an 81mm mortar round, 86 empty 107mm rocket casings, a base plate, timer fuses and detonation cord at approximately an hour later northwest of Baghdad.

At approximately 8:20 p.m. in the Shurta area of Rashid, Soldiers from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, found seven 120mm mortar rounds and 34 boxes of 12.7mm ammunition.

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Iraqi Army Soldiers seized a number of weapons caches in Sadr City during Operation Peace June 2.

IA Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 36th Brigade, 11th IA Division found six rockets, five 82 mm mortar rounds, two 120 mm mortar rounds and four anti-aircraft rockets at approximately 7:35 a.m.

At approximately 11:25 a.m., IA Soldiers from 2nd Bn., 3rd Brigade., 1st IA Div., seized three grenades and five rocket bases. At approximately 12:50 p.m., Soldiers from this unit seized six 82 mm mortar rounds, a 155 mm round and an improvised explosive device hidden inside a vehicle.

IA Soldiers from 4th Bn., 34th Bde., 9th IA Div., seized eight IEDs, 21 BMP round propellants, a 60 mm mortar tube and base plate, three rocket-propelled grenades, a 60 mm mortar round, a smoke grenade, a small propellant, a grenade blasting cap and a spool of wire at approximately 1:10 p.m.

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Iraqi Army Soldiers uncovered several weapons caches in the Sadr City district of Baghdad as they worked to increase safety in the area June 3.

Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st IA Division seized several weapons caches at approximately 7 a.m. The munitions included two PKC magazines with 50 rounds, five AK-47 magazines loaded with 40 7.62 mm rounds, two anti-tank rockets, two anti-personnel rockets, a missile, two grenades and nine initiation fuses.

At approximately 8 a.m., Soldiers in the same unit found an RPG-7 and five anti-personnel rounds.

In concurrent operations, Iraqi Army Soldiers serving with the 1st Bn., 38th Brigade, 11th IA Div., seized another weapons cache. The items included 52 Dishka rounds, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, an RPG warhead, two 82 mm mortar rounds, six 60 mm rounds, five 122 mm rockets, two fire extinguishers and an armor vest with plates.

IA Soldiers with the 2nd Bn., 3rd Bde., 1st Division also discovered several weapons caches at approximately 8 a.m. They seized 11 AK-47 rifles, a RPK light machine gun, five grenades, a 120 mm round and crush wire.

At approximately 8 a.m., Soldiers with the 2nd Bn., 36th Bde., 9th IA Div., seized a sniper rifle and eight AK-47 rifles.

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