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Second Marine Division Marines seize
arms caches, detain suspected insurgents
CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq - Coalition Forces from the 2nd Marine
Division have detained a total of 147 suspected insurgents since
taking the reins from 1st Marine Division on March 17.
Since the transfer of authority, Marines from the Camp Lejeune based
division have been working to help bring about peace in the restive
Al Anbar Province by detaining individuals actively terrorizing
innocent civilians.
"Over the past few months, 1st and 2d Division . . . have pursued
and captured many terrorists attempting to prevent a free Iraq,"
said Col. Bob Chase, chief operations officer for the 2d Marine
Division. "These are criminals and murderers who display wanton
disregard for their fellow Iraqis."
Two Marine Regimental Combat Teams and one Army Brigade Combat Team
that make up the division have also conducted numerous raids and
operations over the last seven days netting:
(14) mortar rounds of various sizes
(1) 120mm tank round
Approx. (1,000) small arms rounds
(66) rockets of various sizes
(40) Small arms of various types, to include AK 47's, shotguns,
pistols and machine guns
Iraqi police and military uniforms
IED making materials to include several pounds of explosives, cell
phones, cell phone batteries, batteries, spools of wire and blasting
caps
Various types of insurgent propaganda, to include leaflets, posters,
newsletters, and videos
"Tirelessly, our young Marines move through the countryside and deny
the enemy solace, keeping him off-balance and under increasing
pressure," said Chase.
The raids and operations were conducted throughout the Al Anbar
Province with the cooperation of the Iraqi Security Forces.
"Our main effort since our arrival in Al Anbar is to accelerate the
training and partnering of the emerging Iraqi Security Forces,"
explained Chase.
Chase stated that the ISF provide what they call "eyes and tongues"
that allow US forces to discern foreign fighters and strangers.
"Most importantly, they are able to interface with the locals and
get information Iraqis might be unwilling to share with US personnel
for fear of repercussions from the terrorists."
Chase made clear that we would remain true to our promise to the
Iraqi people; "We will stand with them until their forces are ready
to stand alone and can protect themselves from those that fear a
united Iraq."
The 2d Marine Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Richard A. Huck, will
continue to work with the people of the Al Anbar Province in order
to bring about peace and prosperity in Iraq.
All the battalions from the division have previously deployed in
support of various operations around the globe to include,
Afghanistan, Haiti, the Horn of Africa or here in Iraq.
For more information, please contact
Capt. Jeff Pool, public affairs officer, 2nd Marine Division, at
pooljs@gcemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil
Release #050324h |
