Photo By Spc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile | A Soldier of 1st Battalion, 37th Armor, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division,...... read more read more
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FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq — During a patrol near Kirkuk, Iraq, Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 37th Armor, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, "Dragons" of Fort Bliss, Texas, along with their partners at the 2-47th Battalion, Iraqi army 12th Division, discovered multiple weapons caches buried throughout fields, Dec. 30, 2009.
During the patrol, with assistance from, Bryan, a U.S. Army Specialized Search dog, the IA and "Dragons" uncovered weapons caches containing a Russian 240, five 120mm mortars, various ammo, grenade fuses, RKG rockets, night vision goggles and materials for homemade explosives, according to Capt. Bryan Hartman, a native of Eagar, Ariz., and commander for the "Dragons."
The IA checked the site because of a tip they had received of insurgent activity in the area, according to Lt. Col. Ghanim Hussain Shbib, battalion commander of 2-47 Batt.
They we first noticed because of the distinct markings, each cache had a large rock pointing towards it and they were all in the same area, according to Ghanim.
Upon discovering the pattern of large rocks the IA notified the other members of the IA and our "Dragon" partners, a broad search was conducted of the area using the SSD and heavy-duty metal detectors, according to Hartman.
After the discovery of the caches the IA secured the contraband and took it to their compound for further investigation and collection of evidence, according to Hartman.
In the villages surrounding the caches, the IA had the land owners sign an agreement stating they will not harbor terrorists or allow caches to be on their land, according to Hartman.
This contract is a big step it no longer allows the people in the area to remain neutral, they now must turn in the insurgents or risk being arrested, according to Hartman.
The discoveries made today will hinder enemy operation and will make this area safer for U.S. forces, the Iraqi security forces and the people of the area, according to Hartman.
| Date Taken: | 12.30.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 01.13.2010 02:02 |
| Story ID: | 43751 |
| Location: | KIRKUK, IQ |
| Web Views: | 193 |
| Downloads: | 176 |
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