National Defense Authorization Act

Message to the Congress of the United States

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:

Consistent with section 1205 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107314), I am providing a report prepared by my Administration on implementation during 2003 of the plan for securing nuclear weapons, material, and expertise of the states of the former Soviet Union.

GEORGE W. BUSH THE WHITE HOUSE, February 8, 2005. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 9, 2005

Stryker Brigade Combat Team MOSUL, Iraq

Iraqi citizens taking back their city

MOSUL, Iraq -- Iraqi citizens informed Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team,) in three separate instances of potential attacks in northern Iraq.

A citizen approached Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, who were on patrol in southeastern Mosul, Feb. 5 and informed them of a location of a roadside bomb. The Explosive Ordinance Disposal team defused the bomb. No Iraqi citizen or Multi-National Forces injuries were reported during the operation.

An Iraqi child informed Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, who were on patrol south of Mosul Feb. 6, of a mine and other explosives placed along a roadway. EOD defused the explosives. No Iraqi citizen or Multi-National Forces injuries were reported.

Another Iraqi citizen’s information led to the capture of a suspected terrorist following a mortar attack on Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment Feb. 6. The information given by the citizen helped 1-24th Soldiers find the origin of the attack, which led to the detention of two people. Suspects are in custody with no citizen or Multi-National Forces injuries reported.

These types of courageous acts demonstrate the commitment of Iraqi citizens to ensuring a safe and peaceful Iraq. Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces encourage citizens of Iraq to continue to cooperate with security forces and turn in military weapons and equipment.

TEXT PROVIDED BY THE TASK FORCE FREEDOM, MULTINATIONAL BRIGADE-NORTHWEST PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT LT. COL. ANDRE HANCE AT ANDRE.HANCE@TFO.C1.ARMY.MIL