FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070927-02
September 27, 2007

ISF defenders save dozens in northern Iraqi village
Multi-National Division – North

MAZRA’AH, Iraq – Quick thinking and bravery were key factors as Iraqi Security Forces defended their post against a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack in Mazra’ah village in Nineveh province Sept. 24.
 
Soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division working with Iraqi police at a command post between Mosul and Tal’Afar, opened fire on the driver of the SVBIED after he failed to slow down as directed with verbal and visual signals.
 
“The quick recognition that this vehicle was a threat, and the willingness to immediately engage it before it arrived in the village, prevented a much larger loss of life,” said Capt. Mohammad, spokesperson for the 3rd Iraqi Army Division.  “These martyrs gave their lives to protect the Iraqi people.”
 
The resulting fire from the ISF caused the vehicle to immediately explode, killing three ISF and three local Iraqi civilians nearby.  In addition, 17 local civilians were wounded.
 
The Iraqi 2nd Brigade commander was the first to arrive on the scene, organizing recovery efforts and coordinating ambulance support that allowed all of the wounded to be evacuated to Tal’Afar Hospital for treatment of their injuries.
 
IPs are conducting an investigation into the identity of the driver and the intended target of the SVBIED.  

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