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Release A051224b

Air assault operation nets suspects, weapons cache

Multi-National Force-Iraq

TIKRIT, Iraq -- An air assault mission conducted by 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, resulted in the capture of several suspected terrorists and the seizure of a large cache of ammunition in Muslakhah, Iraq, Dec. 23.

Elements from Company C, 1-187, landed in Muslakhah aboard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and began searching the village for individuals listed as being involved with terrorist activities in the area. Within one hour of touching down, they identified and detained two individuals on the list of suspects.

“Every day we win small victories,” said Capt. Christopher Judge, commander, Company C. “But when we can get someone on our list, it is a huge boost.”

By the day’s end, the unit had apprehended six individuals.

During the air assault mission, Soldiers of Company D, 1-187, began an amphibious assault on an island in the Tigris River adjacent to Muslakhah. While patrolling the banks of the island, they discovered a cache of more than 100 mortar rounds – 45-82mm rounds and 64-120mm rounds. They also seized 20 rockets and 600 rounds of small arms ammunition.

“We are trying to make it difficult for [terrorists] to operate [in Mulakhah],” Judge said.

The town of Muslakhah, north of Al Fatah, is located near an oil pipeline that is under construction, which will bring much needed revenue to the area when complete. Attacks on the workers have disrupted its construction in the past, but have stopped since the Rakkasans took over the area Nov. 1. The Rakkasans continue to work with Iraqi forces to reduce attacks and safeguard the pipeline.

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THIS STORY HAS ACCOMPANYING PHOTOGRAPHS. TO RECEIVE THE PHOTOS, E-MAIL THE CPIC PRESS DESK AT cpicpressdesk@iraq.centcom.mil <mailto:cpicpressdesk@baghdadforum.com> .

TIKRIT, Iraq -- One of six suspected terrorists detained by Company C, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, stands behind the weapon and license plates found during a search of his home Dec. 23. (U.S. Army photo)

TIKRIT, Iraq -- Rakkasans with Company D, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment head toward land during an amphibious mission in conjunction with an air assault operation in Muslakhah, Iraq, Dec. 23. The Soldiers found 100 mortar rounds on the bank of an island in the Tigris River. (U.S. Army photo)

For more information, please contact the 101st AIRBORNE DIVISION Public Affairs Office at EDWARD.LOOMIS@US.ARMY.MIL