America's North Shore Journal

Quite a haul!

MNF-I

Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers found two sizeable weapons caches while conducting clearing operations in southern sections of the Iraqi capital Sept. 4-5.

The biggest cache discovery occurred Sept. 4, when troops from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division seized a cache full of weapons, explosives and other components used to make roadside bombs. Eight large- and medium-sized propane tanks were recovered from the site in West Rashid, along with several Chinese, Bulgarian and Iraqi-made rocket-propelled grenade launchers, homemade explosives, dynamite sticks, washer timers, a suicide vest and an assortment of batteries and copper wiring.

Explosive ordnance disposal personnel destroyed the munitions.

In Doura, the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment “Warriors” confiscated a cache consisting of 44 assorted weapons, including AK-47 assault rifles, RPK machine guns, RPG-7 launchers and a pair of Dragunov SVD sniper rifles. Additionally, the Soldiers seized more than 600 rounds of assorted munitions, including small arms ammunition, belted 7.62mm bullets and RPG rounds.

The 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment “Vanguards” confiscated two smaller weapons caches in West Rashid, also arresting several individuals for suspected anti-coalition activities. Six weapons and an assortment of grenades were recovered from the sites. The individuals are currently being held for questioning.