America's North Shore Journal

MNF-I

Iraqi Police, Sons of Iraq and Coalition Forces discovered a 4,400 pound cache of explosives, in Salah ad Din province during a joint operation, Feb. 6.

Iraqi Police and SOI noticed freshly disturbed dirt off an unimproved road. Coalition Forces investigated the site with IP and SOI assistance. Buried under a hidden tarp were 40 bags filled with a mixture of ammonia nitrate and cocoa powder, each weighing approximately 110 pounds or 50 kilograms. This mixture is commonly used as a homemade explosive commonly used by al-Qaeda in Iraq.

“The Iraqi Police and the Sons of Iraq are committed to bringing stability to their country,” said Lt. Col. William W. Prior, commander of the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment. “They prove this on a daily basis. Today they were able to make a significant impact in securing their country, their homes and their families.”

Additionally, IP, SOI and CF consisting of 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment and 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment cleared several villages in the area.