Home » Archives » "Strykers discover cache in Diyala palm groves"

Strykers discover cache in Diyala palm groves

Mar-20-2007 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT

Multi-National Division – North PAO

BAQUBAH, Iraq – Soldiers from the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, uncovered an anti-Iraqi forces’ operating cell with large quantities of weapons Sunday, while conducting combat patrols throughout the palm groves in Buhriz, an area within Baqubah, Iraq.

As Soldiers conducted operations, they initially discovered weapons and munitions in a one-room concrete building. After securing the site and conducting a more detailed search, the Soldiers discovered more munitions throughout the area, mainly in an underground chamber created by a septic tank.

“This success highlights the added benefit of the Stryker battalion working in Baqubah,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3-1 Cav. commander. “The discovery demonstrates the unique capabilities of this battalion, while simultaneously building the Iraqi Army with a different type of force structure, all the while securing the population.”

The search resulted in the discovery of large amounts of munitions to include direct-fire weapons systems such as a recoilless rifle, rocket-propelled grenade munitions, more than 1,000 rounds of small-arms ammunition, indirect fire munitions containing more than 30 mortar rounds, and mortar-firing systems; and improvised-explosive device materials to include approximately 300 blasting caps, detonation wire, batteries and timers, and other terrorist documents.

“Noteworthy is the immediate impact of the Stryker battalion and their discovery of this large cache after only 48 hours of offensive operations,” Sutherland added. “They are a vital asset in disrupting the enemy’s territory.”

A Coalition force explosive ordnance disposal unit arrived on site to conduct a controlled detonation.


Advertisements