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ISF and first responders perform well

Jun-25-2004 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT

(TFO press release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (June 25, 2004) – A series of attacks in Mosul on June 24, that included four or five car bomb explosions and a rocket-propelled grenade attack resulted in a “hardening of wills” by many senior Iraqi government and security force leaders, according to Brig. Gen. Carter Ham, commander of Task Force Olympia.

“The response to these attacks was almost entirely Iraqi – Iraqi Police, Iraqi National Guard, explosive ordnance disposal, ambulances, fire stations and medical teams,” said Ham. “The first responders did a great job. I am very happy with their performance under very dire circumstances” Ham added.

According to the Ninevah Provincial Governor’s Office, the attacks killed 72 Iraqi citizens, including a number of police officers and other security forces members. The number of wounded was reported to be more than 250.

The attacks began at 9:05 a.m. when car bombs exploded outside the Iraqi Police Academy and the Al Wakas Police Station in western Mosul. Another explosion occurred near the Al Jamhori Hospital. At 10:15 a.m. another car bomb exploded near the Sheik Fatih Police Station in western Mosul.

Iraqi National Guard soldiers moved to secure the Sheikh Fatih Police Station in response to reports that terrorists had taken it over, but terrorists fired at the Iraqi soldiers from across the street at the Mohammed Al Noory Mosque.

Coalition forces moved to the Sheikh Fatih Police Station to support the Iraqi soldiers and were fired upon from the Mohammed Al Noory Mosque as well. Iraqi Security and Coalition forces returned fire on the terrorists in the mosque.

In less than two hours, Iraqi National Guard soldiers secured the Mohammed Al Noory Mosque away from the terrorists, and Coalition soldiers from 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment took back the Sheikh Fatih Police Station from the terrorists as well.

“Iraqis are taking the lead; today they required very little assistance from Coalition forces,” said Ham. “My guarantee to the Iraq Security Forces is that if they encounter a situation beyond their control we’ll be there to help,” said Ham.

Anyone with information about criminal or terrorist activities should inform the Iraqi Police, Coalition forces, or call the Tips Hotline 813-343 or 780-013. To turn in weapons or munitions, contact any Coalition soldier or call the Hotline (813-343) to arrange turn-in.


Comments For "ISF and first responders perform well":

Out of this heartbreaking tragedy is this sweet, blessed hope that Iraqis will indeed be capable of holding their own against great evil. This event tears at our souls--that terrorists can simply TAKE lives. But the strong work of coalition forces has truly benefited Iraq and Iraqis. I pray that they will continue to grow in strength and prosper.

Posted by: PattyF | June 26, 2004 8:25 AM

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