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101st raids lead to capture of criminals

Army News Service

Release Date: 11/13/2003

MOSUL, IRAQ (Army News Service, Nov. 13, 2003) - Twenty-four personnel suspected of violence against U.S. forces in northern Iraq were captured Nov. 12 in a series of raids by the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

The first incident occurred in the 1st Brigade Combat Team area of operations when an individual who was wanted for questioning was stopped at a traffic control point. He was believed to have information on acts taken against coalition forces.

The second incident occurred when an improvised explosive device exploded, causing minor injuries to two soldiers. Two suspects in the area were immediately detained. They are also believed to be linked with earlier attacks on U.S. forces.

The third incident took place in the 1st BCT area when a joint U.S. and Iraqi border patrol element identified a suspicious vehicle south of Mosul. Individuals in the vehicle fired at the joint patrol. The patrol returned fire, and then searched the vehicle, which contained six individuals and 20 complete rocket propelled grenade systems. All six were detained. There were no U.S. injuries.

The infantrymen patrol the streets 24 hours a day, looking for law-breakers and people intent on causing harm to Soldiers and local citizens, said Staff Sgt. Nathan Smith, squad leader, Company B., 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment. Soldiers go to mechanic shops and garages looking for people who make car bombs.

Local citizens are also helping the patrolling units net criminals who may be planning terrorist acts. In Mosul a series of overnight raids netted 10 suspects, seven AK-47s, one RPG, two RPG rounds, a pistol, and an assault rifle. The suspects were caught when an Iraqi citizen informed a soldier from the 2nd BCT that individuals were planning an imminent attack on U.S. forces.

(Editor's note: This release is the culmination of two articles submitted by the 101st Abn. Div (AA) Public Affairs Office.)