Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070624-02
June 24, 2007

Neighborhood watch members lead Iraqi Army to Cache
By Maj. Randall Baucom
1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

TAJI, Iraq — A large cache of mortars and improvised explosive device-making material was revealed by members of a “neighborhood watch” to the Iraqi Army June 22.

During a foot patrol, members of the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division (Mechanized) received a tip from volunteers participating as a part of a neighborhood watch in Falahat, a village in Taji.  On arrival at the location given in the tip, the Iraqi troops uncovered the buried cache.

The cache contained 39 mortar rounds, 30 pounds of high-explosive, a landmine, and an assortment of other material used to make IEDs. The items were transported to Camp Taji for proper disposal.

“The actions of these volunteers prove they are committed to preserving the security in their community,” said Lt. Col. Peter Andrysiak, deputy commander of the 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. “This is a very promising sign that the residents in this community are denying a safe haven to the insurgents and that the tribal leaders are serious about reconciling their differences with the Coalition and the Iraqi government.  It also demonstrates their confidence in the Iraqi Security Forces, as they turn to them vice Coalition Forces.” 

The neighborhood watch is made up of a group of 500 volunteers who are currently being vetted for possible future selection for training as Iraqi Police or some other organization in the Iraqi Security Forces. The volunteers are members of a number of tribes in the Taji area who want reconciliation with the Coalition and the Iraqi government.

“This is one of many steps they have taken lately to demonstrate to the government of Iraq that they are committed to being a part of the legitimate security forces and government,” said Andrysiak.

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