The positive things never make the news. Wonder why...
2d Brigade Combat Team uncovers weapons stockpiles
By Staff Sgt. Craig Zentkovich
2nd BCT PAO, April 21, 2005
MADAIN, Iraq – Following an early-morning cordon and search of a city south of Baghdad, Iraqi Security Forces supported by Task Force Baghdad Soldiers, discovered weapons caches at two separate locations Monday. Prior to Monday’s search, Madain (also known as Salman Pak) had for months been known as a terrorist staging ground for improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and U.S. forces. Items discovered and later destroyed by an explosive ordinance disposal team from Task Force Baghdad’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, included more than 50 82mm mortal shells, rocket-propelled grenades and launchers, rockets, high-explosive artillery shells, and a pair of 250-pound Russian-made bombs. Additionally, dozens of rigged IED initiation devices and spools of wire were found in a nearby shack.
A sports utility vehicle at the site contained three 155mm artillery shells wired and packed with additional explosives. Iraqi and U.S. forces provided security of the sites while EOD removed the threat. “The mission was very successful,” said Lt. Col. Michael Johnson, commander of 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment. “The (Iraqi forces) were able to secure Salman Oak … and find a large weapons cache where IED vehicle bombs were being manufactured.” In the town center, Iraqi Security Forces, numbering in the hundreds, celebrated after reclaiming a police station that had not been occupied by Iraqi Police personnel for months. “The U.S. forces had a very small part in the operation,” Johnson said. “(3-7 Cav.) served as a quick reaction force, if necessary. This was an all Iraqi-planned and executed mission.”