01 JUL 2008 - War In Iraq Daily News

IA, U.S. Soldiers Work Together to Search for Weapons

Monday, 30 June 2008

CAMP TAJI — Clearing the area of weapons caches is a vital mission for Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers.

In fact, it is so important they combine their efforts as they scour the streets in an attempt to safeguard the Iraqi people from the devastation caused by extremist weapons and munitions.

So it was with this in mind that Soldiers from 1st Platoon, Company B, 52nd Infantry Regiment, attached to 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, worked side-by-side with their Iraqi Army partners as they conducted a cache clearance mission in Al Awad, northwest of Baghdad, June 25.

Cache searches are not uncommon missions for the Soldiers, who conduct searches up to four times a week in their area of operations. In the past, they have found numerous weapons, to include air missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, improvised-explosive devises, mortars and machine guns, said Sgt 1st Class Ernest Oberst, native of Gladstone, Mich., and platoon sergeant, 1st Platoon, Co. B, 52nd Inf. Regt.

“These missions keep us occupied and very busy but getting boots on the ground is the only way we are going to secure the area,” he said.

Although nothing was found in Al Awad that day, Oberst said the mission was a success.

“We have systematically cleared this area from the west to the east and have found at least 25 caches in the past,” said Oberst. “This was another step to make sure that area is clear. Later we will check again to see if anything has been replanted.”

In conjunction with looking for caches, the IA soldiers and MND-B Soldiers make it a priority to speak to the local community. The missions allow the Soldiers to get out in the communities and speak to the people.

“Telling the locals what we were doing and why we are here makes sure the relationship with the people is enhanced instead of taken away by our presence,” said Staff Sgt. Donald Fabian, native of Miami, a team sergeant attached to 1st Bn. 27th Inf. Regt.

It is also necessary for the Iraqi army to learn how to conduct cache searches and be involved in the communities they patrol.

“These weapons are always going to be here and so will the Iraqi army.” Oberst said. “They are starting to get to know the people. This is important because they need to know who their enemies are.”

Feature Stories

‘Team Metallica’ Helps Rebuild Rusafa

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY — Although, they are not who most people would call average war fighters, their mission is just as vital for survival. They conduct patrols, but their primary mission is not combat related. “Team Metallica” is charged with assisting local governance to provide for the welfare of Iraqi citizens throughout the Rusafa security district of eastern Baghdad.

Al-Qaeda’s Propaganda Network Thwarted

BAGHDAD — Coalition forces battered the terrorist propaganda network in Baghdad Saturday and Sunday, killing two terrorists and detaining 15 suspects while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq associates around the country. Coalition forces surrounded a location in Baghdad Saturday targeting a leader of an al-Qaeda in Iraq propaganda cell. Coalition forces engaged and killed one man who drew a weapon when they entered the target building. They engaged and killed another suspected terrorist when they perceived hostile intent from his failure to follow Coalition forces’ instructions.

Task Force Gold Brings Golden Opportunity

BAGHDAD — Task Force Gold, considered a turning point for Operation Iraqi Freedom, focuses its efforts to revitalize the war torn and impoverished neighborhoods of the Sadr City District in northern Baghdad. Beginning in May, the mission of Task Force Gold is to bring peace to the Sadr City District and improve the quality of life for its residents.

Interactive Iraq :: Press Briefings
Operational Update: Dr. al-Sheikhly, June 29 Dr. Tahseen al-Sheikhly, Iraqi civilian spokesman for Operation Fardh al-Qanoon, provides an Operational Update. Transcript (PDF), Read More

Interactive Iraq :: Video News
Iraqi Freedom Minute, June 29 • This edition features servicemembers preserving protected historic Iraqi sites. Watch Now

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Freedom Journal Iraq, June 29 • This edition features Iraqis securing their neighborhoods and the U.S. Army refurbishing Iraqi hospitals. Watch Now

 

Back to Back

Sunday, 29 June 2008	National Police seize nearly 200 weapons (New Baghdad)
Sunday, 29 June 2008	Iraqi forces detain AQI member, prevent attacks (Udaim)
Sunday, 29 June 2008	British, Iraqi Army Soldiers build camaraderie through soccer (Basra)

Talk it Out

Sunday, 29 June 2008	USF-I CG visits, recognizes outstanding warfighters in MND-N
Sunday, 29 June 2008	NPs, SoI, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons, munitions in Baghdad
Sunday, 29 June 2008	Coalition forces destroy Al-Qaeda in Iraq safe haven, financing

Mount the Stallion

Sunday, 29 June 2008	Al-Qaeda’s propaganda network thwarted (Baghdad)
Sunday, 29 June 2008	Aegis Security teams are goodwill ambassadors (Kirkuk)
Sunday, 29 June 2008	ISF arrest seven suspected IED bombers (Baghdad)

Hose Team Hoods

Main Stream Media Reports:

Police: 3 judges targeted by bombs in Iraq AP - Mon Jun 30, 5:31 AM ET

BAGHDAD - A police officer says three Iraqi judges have been targeted by bombs in different areas of Baghdad, resulting in injuries but no deaths.