NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Citizen tip leads MND-B Forces to Seize Vehicle With 9 IRAMs

BAGHDAD - Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers discovered a vehicle with 9 improvised rocket assisted mortars in the bed of a vehicle in the Kadamiyah district of Baghdad at approximately 4:40 p.m. June 24.

The Soldiers discovered the IRAMs based on a tip from a local Iraqi.

Iraqi and MND-B explosive ordnance disposal personnel were notified of the munitions-laden vehicle. They determined the best method to dispose of the ordnance was by controlled detonation.

A series of three controlled detonations rendered the rockets safe to approach. The controlled detonations were conducted safely, with no injuries to local Iraqis or damage to private property. Then, the IRAMs were removed from the site for disposal.

"These rockets endangered people's lives," said Col. William Hickman, the commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. "(Criminals) placed the lives of families and their homes in danger. Because of the tip provided by a concerned citizen and the skill of the explosive ordinance disposal team, no one was injured."

The concerned citizen called into the National Tips Hotline.
This tip led to the prevention of a potentially deadly attack, said Col. Allen Batschelet, the chief of staff of MND-B and 4th Infantry Division.

"The Ministry of Interior sponsors the National Tips Hotline that lead Iraqi army and U.S. Soldiers to seizing these IRAMs," said Batschelet. "Coalition forces will continue to exploit intelligence provided by the concerned Iraqi citizens in cooperation with the MoI to further develop information that will lead us to those responsible for these heinous weapons."