Iraqi Police, Coalition Forces Avoid Disaster as Terrorists Destroy Pipeline

ISKANDARIYAH, Iraq - An economic and environmental disaster was averted when Iraqi police and Coalition Forces joined forces to put out a pipeline fire Mar. 2.

Terrorists attacked the oil pipeline and breached a 20-meter section of pipe.

A fire ensued, covering the space of two soccer fields.

Firefighters, who arrived on the scene, came under small-arms fire until Iraqi police arrived and the terrorists fled.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, secured the outer cordon of the fire until it was put out.

The combined effort of the IPs and Coalition Forces helped prevent the catastrophic destruction of valuable oil pipelines that move fuel for energy, a highly-prized commodity for export out of Iraq, said Lt. Col. Patrick Donahoe, commander, 1-67 AR.

Source: Multi-National Force-Iraq