Good News from Iraq: 8 Nov 2007

From MNF-I, Concerned Local Citizens, children turn in caches.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Three separate weapons caches were found in areas south of Baghdad Nov. 3. Two of the caches were found by Concerned Local Citizens.

In Hawr Rajab, CLCs found a cache consisting of four 57 mm projectiles taped together. The citizens brought the ordnance to Paratroopers of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), out of Fort Richardson, Alaska, at Entry Control Point 20 for safe disposal.

Local children in Hawr Rajab also contributed by pointing out the location of a cache to Paratroopers of Troop C, 1-40th Cav. Regt. The cache consisted of six 82 mm mortars.

In Arab Jabour, Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division discovered a weapons cache that consisted of a 155 mm mortar round, an OG-7V grenade and one rocket-propelled grenade propellant charge.

“The CLCs have added a dynamic to our offensive capabilities that have shaped the battlefield in ways that Coalition Forces alone could never have achieved,” said Capt. Chad Klascius, Troop A commander.

“Working with local nationals to create positive results and a safer environment is one of the most rewarding missions we’ve endeavored,” Klascius said. “Not only are we defeating al Qaeda, but the work of the local nationals gives us hope for the future of Iraq.”

An explosive ordnance disposal team destroyed all caches with controlled detonations.