Sunday, January 1
6 SCUZBALLS, PILE OF GUNS N' AMMO TAKEN IN MUSLAKHAH
| December 24, 2005 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. |
