Iraqi Security Forces Gaining Ground; Terror Diminished in Kirkuk

KIRKUK, Iraq - Two off-duty Iraqi soldiers captured two terrorists who were emplacing an improvised explosive device in Kirkuk Province March 12.

The two soldiers noticed two men working next to a car stopped alongside the road. As the two soldiers approached, they realized that the two men were indeed emplacing an IED. The soldiers apprehended the two men and then called local police who took the two terrorists into custody, while an Iraqi explosives unit disposed of the IED.

"The actions of these two soldiers is indicative of the success the Iraqi security forces are having as a whole," stated Maj. Greg Bishop, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, stationed in Kirkuk, Iraq. "They are embracing the values of being a full-time professional soldier, always prepared to defend their country.

In the past three days, Iraqi Police captured several individuals involved in terrorist activities in one form or another. Police in the Daquq district captured a member of the Omar Bin Khatab terrorist cell who is known to transport weapons and IEDs throughout the region, while police in the Qoria district detained a woman suspected of using her home as a safe haven for terrorists. In yet another community, children told police of weapons stashed in a nearby dumpster. Upon investigation, police found 18 fuses and more than 20 explosive rounds.

"What we are seeing is success breeding success," Bishop added. "As the Iraqi Army and local police continue to capture terrorists and find caches, local citizens are stepping forward with information."

Source: Multi-National Force-Iraq