CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq

Independent patrol by Iraqi National Guard nets suspected insurgents Feb. 18, 2005

CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq -- The Iraqi National Guard and an Iraqi child offer the latest example as to why U.S. forces aren’t alone in making efforts to improve security and stability throughout the restive Al Anbar province.

At approximately 8 p.m. last night, Iraqi soldiers from the 505th Iraqi National Guard detained two individuals near Abu Ghraib Prison. While on an independent patrol, the soldiers received information that the individuals were driving around in an altered police vehicle. The ING patrol located the vehicle and questioned the occupants. Two individuals were taken into custody after the ING discovered one 9 mm pistol and one AK-47 assault rifle in the vehicle.

At approximately 5 p.m. this evening, an Iraqi child approached a U.S. Marine patrol in eastern Ar Rutbah, explaining that he knew where bombs could be found. The child led the Marines to two 122 mm projectiles that were hidden under rocks in a ditch. The projectiles had electric blasting caps in the fuse wells but they were not connected to an initiation device.

Earlier this week in Ar Rutbah, U.S. Marines visited the newly appointed mayor and city council to discuss future civic projects while requesting the opportunity for continued interaction. The Marines presented the mayor with the first payment for the Jobs/Trash Removal Program, which will provide 70 jobs for the residents of the city.

Over the last 48 hours, U.S. Marines and soldiers from the 1st Marine Division of the I Marine Expeditionary Force detained 23 suspected insurgents and seized several weapons caches during operations throughout Al Anbar province.

The following weapons and munitions were seized and subsequently destroyed:

(8) AK-47 assault rifles, (8) AK-47 magazines, (9) RPG rounds, (8) RPG launchers, (5) RPG motors, (1) Rifle, (1) 12.7 mm machine gun, (1) 30 mm machine gun, (280) 7.62 mm rounds, (1) 60 mm mortar round, (3) 82 mm mortar rounds, (5) 115 mm tank rounds, (2) 122 mm projectiles, (2) 155 mm artillery rounds, (1) 5 in. rocket, (2) Grenades, (155) Fuses, (2) Sighting systems (various types), (4) Land mines, (1) Bayonet, 6 pounds of mortar increments, 24 pounds of TNT

Insurgent propaganda, autographed photographs of Saddam Hussein and materials to make improvised-explosive devices were also found with the weapons caches.

Progress continues in Al Anbar province as Iraqi security forces consistently demonstrate their improving capabilities and citizens continue to provide helpful information to Iraqi and U.S. forces.

-30- Public Affairs Office I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Release # 0219-05-0425