Iraqi Citizen Foot Patrol Discovers Weapons

Joint Coalition Forces Takes Cache Into Custody

The efforts on the part of the Concerned Local Citizens in Iraq have slowly begun to pay off.  With the increased awareness and effort, more and more insurgents are being discovered, and the local citizens are becoming more emboldened, and more assertive in defending and caring for their own country.

Last week a local Iraqi citizen spoke up and guided Coalition forces to a cache of weapons near Minori in the southern Arab Jabour area.  It was quite a large cache of weapons, explosives and other different ordinance.

Soldiers from 3rd Infantry discovered over 32 ammo canisters with various caliber of bullets, 128 propellant charges, 59 rocket propelled grenades, 8 rockets and various mortar illumination rounds.  Such large finds are becoming more and more common, and are helping the Coalition
effort in a huge manner.

“We are simply thrilled that the citizens and local concerned citizen groups are stepping up, and asking for our help,” said First Lieutenant Levi Lenon.   “Hard faithful work definitely assists us, the citizen groups are doing a wonderful job,” said Lieutenant Lenon.

The 5-7th Cav Regiment is participating in Operation Marne Thunderbolt, and the assistance from local Iraqi Citizens is really making a difference. “With the help from the community, the insurgents stand out like a sore thumb, and it is really helping make a difference.” Said Lieutenant Lenon.  Operation Marne Thunderbolt is an ongoing series of smaller operations, and began in early January 2008.  It is designed to harass, disrupt, and potentially sweep Al Qaeda out from the entire region.