Dear Interested Readers,
We have so many pictures to go with our stories. If any of you wonder why I include so many pictures that feature our troops, it's in the hope that someone seeing the picture will recognize a loved one. Large weapon caches have been found, as well as captured insurgents. There is much action in Mosul, and we're happy to have the stories and pictures.
Joanna
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Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
February 11, 2008
1,000 landmines unearthed
FOB KALSU - 1,000 landmines were unearthed in a weapons cache Feb. 3. CF and IA Soldiers found a total of 6 weapons caches during the joint op northeast of Iskandariyah.
In addition to the 1,000 landmines, a substantial amount of munitions was found in 2 other caches, including 24 57 mm rounds; 9 130 mm artillery rounds; and 60 pounds of unknown bulk explosives.
The other 3 caches contained lesser amounts of munitions and IED-making materials.
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MND-B commander 'Ironhorse 6' visits Iraqi market west of Baghdad
1st Sgt. James Grove (left) and a fellow Soldier from Batt B, Fires Sqdrn, joke around with local residents Feb. 7 in Fira Shira Market. Recently, the unit provided a micro-grant to a local Iraqi businessman to jump start a bakery in the market. A week later, a restaurant opened across the street as a direct result of the bakery.
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MND-N Soldiers patrol Mosul
Staff Sgt. Thomas Bruhn, watches his surroundings while on a dismounted patrol in Mosul.
3rd Plt Leader 1st Lt. Rusty Morris, Killer Troop, 3rd Sqdrn, shows a picture of his family to an Iraqi family.
Pvt. Brandon Miles, takes cover behind a wall during a dismounted patrol.
Children follow a Soldier as he walks through Al Mansour.
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Iraqi Army, Coalition Forces find large explosives cache
MOSUL - The IA and CF discovered more than 400 pounds of homemade explosives in a large cache Feb. 10 while searching houses in eastern Mosul in support of Op Phantom Phoenix...
While searching homes in a known insurgent neighborhood, the ISF and CF found the cache. Additionally, the cache held a large amount of explosives including pressure plate IEDs, TNT, blasting caps, an unknown liquid, ball bearings and other materials used to make IEDs.
"Once again the insurgents have decided to store large amounts of explosive materials in residential areas, showing a complete disregard to the safety of Iraqi citizens," said Maj. Gary Dangerfield, 3d Armored Cav Regt spokesman.
Due to the instability of the structure and the amount of explosives in the cache, it was determined that the explosives had to be detonated in place. The IA and CF notified residents, evacuated the area, and conducted a controlled detonation. The blast resulted in minor damage to 5 adjacent homes. Residents of those homes will be compensated.
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Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces clear way for new combat outpost
MOSUL - Iraqi SF and CF captured 41 insurgents during the first 24 hours of Op Eagle Harvest II in eastern Mosul, Feb. 7.
The objective of the op is to clear insurgents from the targeted neighborhood and establish a new combat outpost (COP), said Maj. Gary Dangerfield. The op was conducted by IA Soldiers and 1st Bn, 8th Inf Regt.
"Op Eagle Harvest II, will enable the ISF and CF to move into what is a troubled part of town and establish better security for the people of that community," Dangerfield said. "The end result will be another neighborhood clear of insurgents and under control of the ISF."
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3d Armored Calvary Regiment (ACR) visits a busy market in Mosul
Staff Sgt. Chad Caldwell, patrols the busy Al Dawasa market.
Sgt. Cole Weih, a medic, talks with a young Iraqi boy.
Pvt. Brandon Miles, walks past the flashy store window displays.
Soldiers dismount their Humvees and walk the busy Al Dawasa markets of Mosul.
Staff Sgt. Thomas Bruhn, a cav scout, shows an Iraqi boy how to "shake up" like an American.
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MND-B deputy commander listens to Iraqi's concerns in market west of Baghdad
Capt. Chris Ellis, who is the com. of Batt B, Fires Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, briefs Brig. Gen. Mike Milano, and Lt. Col. Bob McAleer, about his operational area in the Fira Shira Market west of Baghdad Feb. 9. Ellis has made a significant impact to the Fira Shira residents and has earned their trust and affection. He was instrumental in reopening 5 area schools.
Brig. Gen. Mike Milano, visits with Sheik Zedan at his home. Zedan told Milano that despite his
injuries, he and his people remain steadfastly committed to Shia-Sunni reconciliation. The two leaders talked about security and education concerns in the region.
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ISF detain suspect believed to be associated with recent suicide bombings
BAGHDAD - ISF supported by MND-Baghdad Soldiers arrested a suspect at the Rashid Hospital in eastern Baghdad for his alleged involvement in terrorist activities Feb. 10. The suspect is being detained for further questioning for his suspected links to al-Qaeda-in-Iraq and recent suicide bombings.
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Suspected suicide bomb facilitator arrested in Doura
BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers arrested a suspected suicide bomb facilitator during a raid in the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital Feb. 9.
Numerous tips led Soldiers from Co C, 2nd Bn, 4th Inf Regt, 10th Mtn Div, MND to detain the alleged extremist. He was found with 5 Iraqi women in a home in Doura. One of the women is suspected of being a possible suicide bomber-in-training. Two of the women were detained for further questioning.
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