Release # 03-05-77

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- Coalition Forces continue to aggressively patrol to make Iraq safer for everyone by eliminating smuggling and trade in weapons and explosives. Coalition Forces also continue to conduct joint security patrols with Iraqi police in efforts to increase the professionalism of the police force and prepare them for their role in a self-governed Iraq.

Coalition Activity:

Local citizens showed 615th Military Police Company soldiers and Iraqi police a bunker in Baghdad yesterday where they found about 60 bombs ranging in size from three to eight feet long. They secured the site and called for Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams to remove the bombs.

Iraqi Police and soldiers from the 143rd Military Police Company investigated a report of a kidnapping and auto theft in Baghdad. Ten individuals took a former captain in the Iraqi Army from his home, moved him to a different location and then dropped him off. The kidnappers also stole the victim's vehicle. The military and the Iraqi police, responding to his request for assistance, searched a building where they thought the individuals were located. They arrested one suspect and confiscated two AK-47 rifles and some radios.

Soldiers from the 1139th Military Police Company and Iraqi police interrupted a carjacking in Baghdad yesterday. They caught one suspect and confiscated a handgun from him. Two other suspects ran away. The Iraqi police transported him to the Ministry of Interior detention center.

Iraqi police and soldiers from the 527th Military Police Company raided a building in Baghdad where rocket-propelled grenades had been fired. They found small arms ammunition and drug paraphernalia in the building, and questioned several families who were living on the roof.

Iraqi police and soldiers from the 204th Military Police Company arrested several men who attempted to rob a citizen at gunpoint. Their robbery attempt failed when the nearby crowd detained the suspects and held them for the police. The police searched the suspects and confiscated a flare gun. The Iraqi police took them to a Baghdad jail.

Fourth Infantry Division soldiers conducted a raid on the village of Hambra yesterday after observing possible paramilitary forces residing in the village over the past several days. They detained 64 individuals and confiscated an AK-47 rifle.

First Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment Marines conducted a cordon and search operation in Al Hillah yesterday to support Iraqi police in a search for suspected Ba'ath Party members. They detained one person for carrying an AK-47. They seized seven AK-47 rifles, a light machine gun and two grenades, as well as numerous documents and pictures of military officials; some posing with Saddam Hussein.

Second Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment Marines and Iraqi police arrested seven people for attempting to steal equipment from an abandoned cement factory last night in As Samawah.

Soldiers from the 615th Military Police Company assisted Iraqi police in Baghdad in a search for a rape suspect.

Third Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment Marines apprehended a drunk or drugged Iraqi who shot at Marines guarding the Civil-Military Operations Center in Ad Diwaniyah yesterday. He initially eluded capture when his family hid him, but they finally took the suspect into custody after neighbors showed them where the assailant was hiding.

Police Activity in the Last 24 Hours:

Coalition Forces conducted three raids and 1,677 patrols throughout Iraq. Of those patrols, 200 were conducted with Iraqi Police. They also detained or arrested 168 individuals. The following are highlights of the patrolling effort:

Baghdad: Coalition Forces conducted two raids and 597 patrols. Of those patrols, 27 were joint patrols with Iraqi police and resulted in 100 arrests for various crimes.

Mosul: Coalition Forces conducted 596 patrols. Of those patrols, 163 were joint patrols with Iraqi police and resulted in one arrest for looting.

Samarrah: Coalition Forces conducted 14 patrols. Of those patrols, four were joint patrols with Iraqi police and resulted in six arrests for various crimes.

Baqubah: Coalition Forces conducted 42 patrols. They made 27 arrests for looting and other crimes.

Al Basrah: Coalition Forces conducted 139 patrols. They detained 20 individuals for smuggling, weapons possession, carrying false documents, theft and attempted murder. They also seized 8 weapons, 2 grenades, 17 vehicles and 270,000 Dinar.