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
August 4, 2004
Release Number: 04-08-16
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IRAQI SECURITY FORCES RESPOND TO COORDINATED ATTACKS THAT KILL 14 CIVILIANS
MOSUL, Iraq - Iraqi police and Iraqi National Guard soldiers here responded quickly today to a series of coordinated attacks targeting police, ING and multi-national forces that left more than 14 Iraqi citizens dead and 31 wounded.
Iraqi security forces repelled all of the attacks, killing eight terrorists and capturing two. The two terrorists who have been detained are being held by Iraqi police pending further investigation.
Multi-national forces served in a supporting role, providing additional support where and when the Iraqi leaders involved in the attacks requested it.
The speedy response by ISF returned stability to the city and earned the governor's praise for their success in stopping the attacks.
"What has happened today, destruction by burglars and criminals, this proves that they are not real Iraqis," said Ninevah Province Governor Duraid Kashmoula. "The Iraqi police, the National Guard and the Facilities Protective Service personnel faced them and killed or arrested many of them."
Police confiscated a large cache of weapons that contained rocket propelled grenades, rifles, mortars, explosives and munitions.
The attacks occurred over a three-hour period and began at approximately 11:30 a.m. when terrorists fired on the Al Karama police station in eastern Mosul. No damage or injuries were reported in that incident. Ninety minutes later an Iraqi police patrol was engaged with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades in southern Mosul. The police returned fire and reported no injuries in that incident.
Attackers also attempted to disrupt the power and health care system in the city by attacking the Mosul Power Plant and the Al Jahmouri hospital in west central Mosul with small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.
Governor Kashmoula imposed a citywide curfew that began at 3 p.m. today and will last until 6 a.m. August 5. In an evening address to the people of Ninevah Province, the Governor stressed calm.
"I am asking from you my beloved people of Mosul to stay calm and do not be afraid because we will do our best to stop anyone who might bother you," Kashmoula said.
Terrorists are targeting security forces as well facilities that provide for the health and well being of citizens of Mosul. These attacks underscore the desperation of terrorists in their attempts to halt the progress of democracy and prosperity in Iraq.
Since the transfer of sovereignty on June 28, Iraqi Security Forces continue to assume the majority of the responsibility for maintaining the overall security of the region.
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