31st MEU Foils Insurgents' IED Plans; Attacked from Mosque
Camp Ripper, Iraq - In a continuing effort to disrupt insurgent activities in the Al Anbar Province, elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit located and destroyed numerous improvised explosive devices placed near the towns of Sa'dah and Karabilah Sunday.
As the ordnance disposal detachment was reducing the improvised explosive devices, three incoming rounds exploded near their location followed by a loud message from the Riqat Mosque in Karabilah.
As the Marines advanced to investigate the point of origin, they received small arms, machinegun, and rocket propelled grenade fire. The Marines then witnessed insurgents firing machineguns from the rooftop of the mosque and others running into the mosque with weapons.
The Marines returned fire that killed two insurgents. There were no US casualties.
Mosques are granted protective status unless they are being used for militant purposes. At that time, they lose their protective status as places of religious worship.
The 31st MEU continues to enhance security and stability to the Al Anbar Province in advance of the upcoming Iraqi elections.
Release #0412029l
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