Dear Interested Readers,
Large weapon caches and high level terrorists captured; MP's continue to train IP; and through pictures we're taken on a clearing mission at night of villages east of Baqubah.
Joanna
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Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

March 12, 2008

Iraqi Police discover large cache

BALAD - IP discovered a large weapons cache March 11, while conducting a combat patrol in the Salah ad Din Province.  The cache was discovered northeast of Samarra in the "Salt Flats" area. This area is known for multiple caches and safe haven locations for insurgents.
The cache held a variety of items including 60mm mortar rounds, 82mm mortar rounds, 60mm mortar tubes, boosters and several pounds of smokeless TNT powder.
"Because of the increased patrols in the area by Iraqi SF and CF, it is likely that cache finds like these will continue to occur," said Maj. Daniel J. Meyers, Task Force Iron spokesman.

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Soldiers detain suspected terrorists connected to SVEST attack

BAGHDAD - MND - Baghdad Soldiers captured 5 suspects March 11; 4 positively identified for their alleged involvement in a suicide vest attack that killed 5 U.S. Soldiers and their interpreter in central Baghdad March 10.
"Our resolve to protect the Iraqi people and to bring these murderers to justice is unwavering," said Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff, MND-B.  "Our Soldiers, all volunteers, are committed and, along with their families, sacrifice daily for the brighter future of the Iraqi people," the colonel said.

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IA, CF prevent car bomb construction, seize anti-armor IEDs

MOSUL - IA Soldiers, acting on a citizen's tip, interrupted 4 suspected al Qaeda-in-Iraq terrorists constructing a car bomb near the al-Rissala neighborhood market in Mosul March 9.   
As a precautionary measure, the IA evacuated civilians from the market area. The IA and CF conducted a search of the market area which revealed 4 anti-armor IEDs constructed of crude homemade explosively formed penetrators hidden in a popcorn cart.
"When normal citizens take an active role in the safety of their neighborhood, these are the kind of results that can be achieved." said Capt. William Nance, co cmdr of Heavy Co, 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd Armored Cav Regt.

Sgt. Amaury Lantigua and Sgt. 1st Class John Guy carefully close the door of a popcorn cart.

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MPs conduct vehicle search training with Baghdad IPs

Sgt. Adam Coleman, an MP with the 153rd MP Co instructs Iraqi policemen on how to properly search vehicles at the Iraqi Criminal Investigation Dept. HQ - Baghdad March 11.  These Soldiers conduct Police Transition Team ops at the Baghdad CID to help improve the effectiveness of the Baghdad Police force.

Sgt. Adam Coleman instructs Iraqi policemen on how to properly search vehicles.

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Operation Viking Fox Hunt III clears villages east of Baqubah

Soldiers from Batt A, 2nd Bn, 12th FAR, observe a nearby village for movement at a security over-watch position during Operation Viking Fox Hunt III near East Baqubah,  March 9.
The Soldiers air assaulted into Suhayl Village in search of weapons caches and high-value targets thought to be in the area.  Assault Battery is currently deployed as part of 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID, from Fort Lewis, Wash.

Soldiers breach a door searching for weapons caches.

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High Five

Staff Sgt. Narito gives an Iraqi boy a high five as he passes by his home in Muqdadiyah, Feb 17, 2008.  Narito is from Alpha Co, 2-23rd Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 2nd ID.

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