From MNF-I, Coalition Forces Find Terrorist Detention Facility, Large Weapons Cache.
BAGHDAD — Coalition forces found an alleged terrorist detention facility and several weapons caches Friday during an operation to disrupt al-Qaida and foreign terrorist operations in central Iraq.
Intelligence gained from previous Coalition operations led the ground force to an area believed to be a safe haven for foreign terrorists. In the 24-hour operation in west Samarra, Coalition forces discovered a bunker allegedly used as a terrorist detention facility and an area with several hidden weapons caches.
Among other weapons, ammunition and military equipment, the ground forces found anti-aircraft weaponry, (12) AK-47 rifles, (18) mortar tubes, (37) mortar rounds, four rocket propelled grenades, (96) RPG fuses, and eight RPG launchers. Logistical supplies, to include hygiene kits, propane tanks, lanterns, blankets and a space heater, were also found on site by Coalition forces.
An expert explosives team was used to safely destroy the detention facility to prevent further use by terrorists, and supporting aircraft was called to destroy the weapons, which were consolidated into a nearby bunker.
“There is no place al-Qaida in Iraq can hide where we won’t find them and their weapons of terror,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesperson. “Iraqi and Coalition forces will continue to root out al-Qaida, securing a safer future for the people of Iraq.”
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