Iraqi Police Join U.S. Army Troops To Eradicate Cache
Kirkuk, Iraq
A series of pre-dawn raids has uncovered a large amount of insurgent weapons in the Kirkuk province of Iraq. The discovery occurred during raids conducted under the watchful eye of
Explosive Ordinance Disposal Soldiers, and Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment. Multiple Soldiers from Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry regiment also were involved.
Iraqi National security forces conducted the raid itself. The Iraqi troops that conducted the raid have been extensively trained by Coalition Forces. “This is a great example of the ability that our counterparts in Iraqi military forces are gaining,” said Colonel David Pashcel. Colonel Pashcal was part of the contingent of U.S. and Coalition Troops that responded to the weapons cache.
U.S. Soldiers were asked to lend a hand after the discovery to aid with the actual destruction of the weapons and explosives that were seized. Following the raids, a combined effort of Iraqi Security and Iraqi Military, working closely with Coalition and U.S. Forces searched the area.
As the search was continuing, over seven tons of ordinance and weapons were discovered and destroyed.
“Discovery and ultimate destruction of a weapons cache of this size seriously interrupts and impairs the enemy ability to mount attacks on innocents, as well as attacks on us and Iraqi Forces,” said Colonel Pashcal.
Colonel Pashcal is Commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army.
“We are constantly working with Iraqi Forces to train and equip them, and this series of successful raids shows their proficiency and growing ability to protect their citizens and root out the enemy where they live,” said Colonel Pashcal.