NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
November 18, 2003
Release Number: 03-11-31
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
82D AIRBORNE DIVISION CONTINUES CRACK DOWN ON INSURGENTS
AR RAMADI, IRAQ - 82d Airborne Division, also known as Task Force "All American," conducted operations in order to stop violence and acts of insurgents who oppose the transition of Iraq to a free and democratic state.
Task Force soldiers went on 171 patrols, 17 of which were joint patrols with members of the Iraqi Border Guard and Iraqi police. Six offensive operations were also conducted. These operations resulted in 26 detained individuals.
Elements of 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment conducted operations early this morning resulting in the detention of two individuals who were wanted for their part in planning and supporting attacks on coalition forces. The operation also netted 11 other personnel wanted for questioning. The paratroopers also confiscated various explosives and materials for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Based on a tip by a local Iraqi citizen, soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment conducted a search of a house near Habbaniyah. At the house the soldiers detained four former regime loyalists and found two grenades, a shotgun, a computer with printer (found printing counterfeit Dinar as soldiers entered the house), rounds packed with C4 plastic explosives, three sticks of dynamite, 12 blasting caps, a 50 lbs bag of propellant, and a satellite phone. The tip that led to the search further demonstrates the increased cooperation between the local populace and coalition forces.
In a separate incident, soldiers from 1st Brigade conducted a cordon and search in Ar Ramadi last night. Their search yielded anti-coalition paperwork including Jihad sign-up sheets. Later this morning, the resident of that house was detained as he went to coalition forces to claim his paperwork. He is also suspected of financing the production and placement of IEDs in the Ramadi area.
In the town of Hit, civil affairs personnel initiated a sewer repair project in conjunction with local officials. The project will correct the current issues, which have local residents concerned about potential health problems in the city. The project will improve the quality of life and living conditions of the town's 5,000 residents.
Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division, 1st Infantry Division, and 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment continue to carry out their missions to ensure Iraq's forward progress as a more peaceful and stable country for its citizens.
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