FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20061008-02
Oct. 8, 2006

IA soldiers detain high-value target
30 terrorists killed during combined operation in Diwaniyah

Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers killed approximately 30 terrorists and detained a high-value target after a terrorist attack Oct. 8 in Diwaniyah, south of Baghdad.

Iraqi Army soldiers from 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division, supported by MND-B Soldiers from Company D, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, were conducting a combined combat patrol to detain a high-value target when their patrol was attacked with small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.

An M1A2 Abrams Tank was struck by multiple RPG rounds and was severely damaged. IA and MND-B Soldiers engaged the enemy forces and killed approximately 30 of the terrorists.

Reportedly, up to 10 enemy RPG teams attacked the combined forces, of which six teams were destroyed. MND-B and IA Soldiers immediately secured the area so the damaged vehicle could be recovered.

While IA and CF Soldiers were securing the area, additional Iraqi Army soldiers continued with their mission and seized the high-value target, who allegedly was involved in the murder of IA soldiers on Aug. 28.  Three other individuals were also detained.

Thus far, no Iraqi Army or Coalition force casualties have been reported.  Operations continue at this time, and additional details will be provided as they become available.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION - BAGHDAD PUBLIC AFFAIRS NCO IN CHARGE, MASTER SGT. ERIC LOBSINGER AT: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , COMMERCIAL: (914) 822-8174 OR IRAQNA 011-964-790-192-4675.