Guess the Iraqi people do like our troops after all...
April 19, 2005
BAGHDAD, Iraq
An Iraqi teenager’s tip helped Task Force Baghdad Soldiers discover an insurgent safe house and take a terrorist into custody April 16.
The Soldiers searched the west Baghdad house the local Iraqi tipster reported and found two sets of U.S. Desert Camouflage Uniforms, one rocket propelled grenade sight and terrorist propaganda. The unit also detained and questioned a suspect at the site.
“It has taken six months to develop a rapport with the people in our area. However, this is just an example of how people are starting to feel safe and secure enough to provide us with information that led 1st Platoon in capturing a suspected anti-Iraqi Force member,” said Capt. Aaron Duplechin, commander, A Company, 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team.
The suspect was later taken to an internment facility for further questioning.
“All residents who have information about terrorist activity in their neighborhoods are encouraged to help Iraqi Security Forces rid the streets of crime by calling or e-mailing the TIPS hotline,” said Lt. Col. Clifford Kent, a Task Force Baghdad spokesperson.
In another operation, U.S. Soldiers on patrol located an anti-Iraqi forces observation point on a rooftop in the Abu Ghraib market area. The Soldiers searched the site and found two improvised explosive device initiators.
Later in the day, Task Force Baghdad Soldiers at a checkpoint observed a hand grenade explosion. When the unit went to investigate they found a local national who tried to run away when the Soldiers approached.
The Soldiers apprehended the suspect and the man became violent. The man tested positive for explosives residue and was taken to an internment facility.