Bits From Iraq

Iraqi Police prevent IED ambush

BAGHDAD , Iraq – Fast-thinking Iraqi Police spared Coalition Force Soldiers from an improvised explosive device in eastern Baghdad Jan. 9.

Iraqi Police manning a checkpoint stopped a convoy, headed by Staff Sgt. Mark Matthews, 801st Brigade Support Battalion, 506th Regimental Combat Team, and warned them of the device. The Iraqi Police explosive ordnance disposal team soon arrived and destroyed the IED.

“The Iraqi Police provided additional security to help secure our convoy while we waited – then their EOD guys exploded the device,” said Matthews. “The IPs tested the route then we made it through with no problems.”

“Our training is definitely paying off. I appreciate the IPs letting my guys know about the IED. Their actions saved lives,” said Capt. Henry Groulx, commander, Company A, 801st BSB.

Raids lead to AIF captures

TIKRIT, Iraq – Three raids in northern Iraq led to five captures of AIF, including one that was turned in by a cohort, Jan. 13.

Soldiers from the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team received a tip that led them straight to a terrorist cell member. Once the troops closed in and caught the terrorist, he turned informant and gave up another member of his cell. The Soldiers were able to track down one of the terrorists from the information given.

Members of the cell are wanted for attacks against civilians and security forces, car theft, kidnapping and IED emplacement.

Three more AIF were detained near Mosul in relation to vehicle-borne IED attacks, based on information gathered by Coalition resources. All three men were rounded up by the 172nd SBCT along with a sniper rifle and various identification cards.

The Task Force Band of Brothers rewards program continues to garner support from the local population, as many of the citizens provide information leading to the discovery of individuals involved in crimes against the people of Iraq as well as attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces.

On 11 January 2006 soldiers from Bravo Company, 2nd Bn, 502nd INF continued Operation Falcon Sweep in the Village of Shakaria, Iraq. At the completion of a successful mission soldiers wait for Blackhawk helicopters to pick them up and return them to Camp Striker, home of the 2-502 INF. (Released) US Army photo by SSG Kevin L. Moses Sr

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