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NEWS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894

April 10, 2003
Release Number: 03-04-96


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


MARINES DEFEAT IRAQI REGIMISTS WHO USED MOSQUE AS FIGHTING POSITION

BAGHDAD, IRAQ - Elements of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force killed and captured enemy forces in heavy combat operations with composite elements of Iraqi fighters conducting combat operations from the Imam Mosque this morning.

Iraqi regime loyalists, terrorists and paramilitary forces engaged elements of Regimental Combat Team 5 (RCT-5) from the protection of an 8th century Shia Mosque. In over one hour of heavy gunfire exchange, the Marines of RCT-5 cleared the mosque for return to the Iraqi people.

"The Iraqi regime has continually placed their forces and equipment in Mosques, medical facilities, and civilian schools in the hopes that they can attack coalition forces, and coalition forces will not defend themselves," said Capt. William W. Coffee, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Deputy Force Protection Officer. "They were wrong, and it only shows the world how corrupt and devoid of values that regime is."

The intense skirmish left one Marine killed in action and 22 wounded. Engaged first by enemy concealed in the cover of the central Baghdad mosque, Marines quickly assessed the situation. After receiving permission to engage the enemy inside, Marines swiftly defeated the Iraqi fighters, captured 18 paramilitary and seized weapons and explosive caches.

Coalition forces continue to pursue the Iraqi regime and paramilitary forces. "Their regime is desperate and they have taken desperate measures from the beginning of this war," said LtCol. Mark M. Tull, I MEF, 1st Marine Division Liaison Officer. "The division will put a quick end to that," he added.

The name of the Marine killed is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.