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
September 10, 2004
Release Number: 04-09-22
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IRAQI SECURITY FORCES AND MARINES DETAIN 17 AND FIND WEAPONS
FOB KALSU, Iraq - Iraqi security forces, assisted by Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted a cordon-and-search operation in Haswah today as part of an ongoing effort to disrupt criminal and other anti-Iraqi activity in Northern Babil Province.
The combined force moved swiftly against a number of planned targets, then swept through the rest of the central Iraqi town in search of targets of opportunity. At the same time, other U.S. forces, including a Marine civil affairs team, were on hand to explain to residents the purpose of the operation and to offer assistance in civil matters.
By mission's end, the Iraqi and U.S. forces had detained 17 individuals suspected of engaging directly in or possessing knowledge of criminal activity. Among the detainees were a number of individuals considered by Iraqi authorities and the Marines to be high-value targets.
The searches also turned up a number of weapons, including the following:
(30) AK-47 rifles
(1) RPK rifle
(2) submachine guns
(2) shotguns
(9) pistols
The operation was the latest in a series of Iraqi-led, coalition-supported raids and searches in Northern Babil.
The 24th MEU assumed operational control of the province July 29. The MEU's mission is to assist Iraqi authorities in fostering security and stability for Northern Babil's nearly 900,000 citizens here. MEU operations are aimed at bolstering the growing capabilities of the ISF, setting the stage for national elections, and advancing the day when Iraqis alone are providing for their country's security.
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