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Border operations detain six smugglers

Aug-10-2004 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT

(TFO Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (August 10, 2004) – Continuing joint operations in western Ninevah province resulted in the detention of six individuals attempting to smuggle benzene and other cargo from Syria into Iraq yesterday, while Multinational Forces detained three personnel suspected of being members of a terrorist group in Mosul.

Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) patrolling the border west of Sinjar observed three individuals conducting overwatch while two others moved unidentified cargo across the border. The soldiers were able to detain the three who were conducting the overwatch, but the two individuals moving cargo fled back across the border into Syria.

During the operation, the soldiers were attacked with rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire from a group of approximately 10 anti-Iraqi forces on the berm of the border. The soldiers returned fire, killing one of the attackers. No Multinational Forces were killed or injured in the operation.

Three other individuals were apprehended as they attempted to smuggle benzene from Syria into Iraq. All three were detained and turned over the Iraqi Border Patrol.

Stryker Brigade soldiers from 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment conducted three cordon and search operations in the Amo Albakat neighborhood of Mosul early this morning, resulting in the detention of three individuals suspected of conducting attacks on Multinational Forces bases. There were no injuries or damage reported during the operations.

In an unrelated incident, a patrol from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment found an unexploded 82mm mortar round near the Mosul University annex on the northwest side of Mosul. An explosive ordnance disposal team from the Iraqi Police destroyed the round with no injuries or damage.

Joint patrols along the border will continue to help decrease the influx of weapons and foreign fighters entering Iraq and to increase security for the citizens of the northern region.

Local citizens are urged to cooperate with security forces by providing information that leads to the capture and arrest of anti-Iraqi forces. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center in Mosul at 125 or 513462.


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