Military

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

April 15, 2004
Release Number: 04-04-14


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


MARINE RAIDS TARGET ANTI-COALITION MEMBERS MAKING IEDs

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq - Raids conducted by Marines and soldiers assigned to 1st Marine Division netted several suspects throughout cities in eastern Al Anbar Province April 14.

Raids near Habbiniyah by soldiers with the 1st Brigade Combat Team on a series of objectives turned up an improvised explosive device factory. Soldiers discovered parts for making IEDs, weapons and a suspected IED testing area. Soldiers detained 10 enemy combatants.

Soldiers with 1st Brigade Combat Team also captured seven enemy suspected of launching IED and mortar attacks near Khalidiyah, just southeast of Ar Ramadi. Soldiers recovered four rocket-propelled grenade rounds, an RPG launcher and an IED triggering device attached to 100 feet of wire. Plastic explosives were also found.

Marines in Ar Ramadi conducted a cordon-and-search mission and detained seven enemy after finding five sticks of dynamite, grenades and blasting caps in two different houses.

A raid in Fallujah on a smuggler's house turned up hidden weapons and 16 men were detained.

Soldiers with the 1st Brigade Combat Team came to the aid of three Iraqi men in Ar Ramadi after their fuel truck caught on fire. The cause of the fire was unknown. Soldiers rendered first aid to the injured men and remained on scene until an Iraqi ambulance arrived.

Several other planned projects in the region have been suspended due to the non-permissive environment. The terrorists continue to hamper Marines' plans to assist Iraqi government and civil leaders to reconstruct infrastructure and aid in improvements to civic projects. Projects will begin again when the area is more secure.

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