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Six AIF Killed, 19 Others Arrested During Operations Throughout Diyala

BAQOUBA, Iraq - The newly formed Diyala Operations Command in Baqouba reported today that Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces from the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry killed five anti-Iraqi forces, wounded eight and arrested 15 others during operations throughout Baqouba, June 12.

The engagement in Old Baqouba also netted two caches and a vehicle borne improvised explosive device.

Anti-Iraqi forces engaged Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces Soldiers with small arms fire from a building before a Coalition Forces attack helicopter team, armed with Hellfire missiles, engaged the AIF and destroyed the building they were firing from.

Another AIF was killed when Coalition Forces engaged his sniper position in the neighborhood of Mufrek, in Baqouba.

The caches discovered included approximately 200 pounds of home made explosives, numerous anti tank mines, mortar and artillery rounds, and other IED making materials.

The VBIED had a rocket propelled grenade inside, and according to local citizens, was rigged to explode. Two AIF were arrested in the immediate area for testing positive for explosives. The VBIED was reduced in place to prevent any casualties.

Officials from the Iraqi Ground Forces Command, located at the DOC, monitored the ongoing operations closely. "We are consistently seeing the Iraqi Ssecurity Forces produce good results in the fight against the terrorists here in Diyala," said Maj. Robert A. Cain, brigade executive officer, for 3-1 Cav. "This is a good news story for the people of Diyala. The individuals who were arrested during these operations, and the materials found, will not have a chance to inflict harm against Iraqi Ssecurity Forces and the people of Diyala."

Four other suspected insurgents were arrested, June 11, by Soldiers from 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. The individuals were trying to evade the CF patrol when they were stopped and searched.

Inside the vehicle, they had two AK-47s, one pistol and two full magazines, and could not produce permits for the weapons.

All detainees will be transferred to the Iraqi Police for processing, and the AIF killed and wounded were taken to Baqouba General Hospital.

Source: Multi-National Force-Iraq