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
July 22, 2004
Release Number: 04-07-21C
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IMEF Marines and soldiers engage in daylong firefight with AIF -- suffer 14 WIA
July 22, 2004
IMEF Marines and soldiers engage in daylong firefight with AIF
FALLUJAH, Iraq - I MEF sustained fourteen casualties; 13 Marines and one soldier were wounded in action. However, none of the injuries suffered were considered life threatening in nature; ten of the 14 have already returned to duty.
Anti-Iraqi forces attempted to ambush a Marine convoy in Ramadi Wednesday afternoon, kicking off a daylong firefight between AIF and I Marine Expeditionary Force Marines and soldiers that resulted in 25 enemy killed in action, 17 enemy wounded in action and 25 detained.
At approximately 3 p.m., AIF forces detonated an improvised explosive device near a Marine convoy and subsequently engaged the convoy with a barrage of small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. Marines quickly responded and returned fire on an estimated 8-10 AIF.
This initial skirmish led to ensuing engagements that pitted elements of the 1st Brigade Combat team from I MEF against what is being estimated as at least 75-100 AIF. Quick reaction forces were requested and responded to further repel the attack. Marines and soldiers on the ground were also backed by aviation assets that provided fire support.
Highlights of the engagement include the successful identification and detonation of two emplaced IEDs - one of which was vehicle borne. In addition to detaining 25 AIF, Marines also captured four RPG launchers, one homemade rocket launcher and two anti-tank mines.
The Marines and soldiers of I MEF remain committed to standing firm with the citizens of the Al Anbar Province against those who violently oppose a new democratic Iraq. Engagements such as these deplete the potency of the AIF while sending a clear message that precise, lethal firepower will be brought to bear upon them when they chose to stand and fight.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT lt. col. JOHNSON AT johnsontv@imefdm.usmc.mil.
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