Release # 03-05-88

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

Coalition Activity:

Soldiers kill woman laden with grenades vic Baqubah: V Corps reports a female approached them near the entrance of the former Badr Corps HQ and was told to stop. She did not stop after the soldiers fired two warning shots, therefore, the soldiers shot and killed her. Upon inspection of the body they discovered she was "loaded" with grenades.

Fifth Corps soldiers raided a site early this morning in Ajaji thought to contain former regime senior military officers and former regime personnel that were close to Saddam Hussein. 107 Iraqis have been detained and are being questioned.

Police Activity in the Last 24 Hours:

Coalition Forces conducted 7 raids and 2,529 patrols throughout Iraq. Of those patrols, 221 were conducted with Iraqi police. They also detained or arrested 250 individuals. Highlights of police activities include:

Soldiers from the 233rdMilitary Police Company responded to a hostage situation in Baghdad Saturday night in which an Iraqi woman reported that her husband had been beaten and taken by three unknown men. The woman led the patrol to the house where her husband was being held and raided it. Three subjects were apprehended for kidnapping and the husband was released. The suspects are being held at the Al-Alwiah Police Station for further investigation.

Soldiers of the 549thMilitary Police Company observed a group of people selling forged identification cards, passports, certificates and license plates in Baghdad on Saturday night. The group fled when the patrol approached them, leaving their items behind. The patrol confiscated the items and returned to the area about two hours later to find one of the suspects selling more items. He attempted to flee but was caught. He was taken to Military Police headquarters and questioned, then later taken to the New Baghdad Police Station pending further investigation.

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