| Submit your comments on this article |
| Iraq |
| Paratroopers capture IED cell leader |
| 2007-07-15 |
| The ring leader of a cell responsible for conducting improvised explosive device attacks on the people and security forces of North Babil was captured by paratroopers south of Mahmudiyah, July 11. The Paratroopers of Company C, 3rd Battalion, 509th Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division conducted a raid named Operation Leyte Gulf and captured the cell leader and four of his lieutenants. “Capturing high value targets does a couple of things for us. It limits the threat to Coalition Forces,” said 2nd Lt. Jason Franklin, a native of Catoosa, Okla., and platoon leader with Company C. “It’s also a great morale booster for the guys. … We’re fighting a war where we fight a faceless enemy, so it’s good when you have a recognizable target and take him down.” The paratroopers also confiscated an AK47 automatic rifle with five magazines of ammunition, four hunting knives, and a set of binoculars. “Operations like this definitely deter the insurgency. It makes them change up their tactics and techniques on where they go, how they operate, and who is in charge,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jerry Rogers, a platoon sergeant with Company C from Fort Worth, Texas. The cell members were detained for further questioning. The weapons and other materials were confiscated for use in the investigation. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #1 Great, new dudes for |
| Posted by: wxjames 2007-07-15 11:03 |