MNF Continue Crack Down on Anti-Coalition Forces
Marine Corps News
Story Identification #: 2004112382625
Story by Cpl. Matthew R. Jones
UBAITI, Iraq (Nov. 21, 2004) -- Marines from Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, provided an outer cordon on Nov. 21 in this small town, while more than 30 members of the Iraqi Specialized Special Forces searched a school and a mosque nearby.
The Iraqis found remnants of 60 mm rounds in the schoolyard. U.S. forces operating the surrounding area have been attacked by anti-coalition mortar fire for weeks and have been able to pinpoint its origin to an area around the school, said Capt. Chris DeAntoni, company commander, Company C, 1st Bn. 7th Marines.
Small arms and anti-coalition propaganda was found at the school along with other evidence that led the Marines to believe the it had likely been a gathering point to conduct attacks on forces in the area.
A mosque in the same area was searched after reports surfaced that it had been used a rally point for insurgent activity. The mosque has also reportedly used the call to prayers to incite violence against coalition forces.
Multi-National Forces patrolled the area and conducted a cordon and knock on local residences to gain information regarding anti-coalition messages that the mosque had been broadcasting during the call to prayers, according to DeAntoni.
“We denied the enemy sanctuary inside the mosque which was our mission,” said DeAntoni.
The mission was part of a continued drive by the battalion to locate insurgents and those who assist them throughout the area in order to stabilize the region for the citizens of Iraq.
“We will arrive anyplace, anytime we need to… there is no sanctuary for the insurgents,” said Lt. Col. Christopher I. Woodbridge, battalion commander.
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