U.S., Coalition Forces Detain 15; Disrupt Bomb Emplacement

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2006 – U.S. and coalition forces detained 15 suspected terrorists and interrupted the emplacement of an improvised explosive device Jan. 2 in Iraq. An Iraqi citizen's tip also led to the recovery of a vehicle-borne IED on New Year's Day.

Task Force Baghdad soldiers detained six known terrorists and nine others during a cordon-and-search operation in southern Baghdad. The search also yielded materials commonly used to make IEDs, including PVC pipes, rubber used in pressure-plate IEDs, wires and ball bearings.

An unmanned aerial vehicle from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, observed three would-be attackers near Bayji as they dug a hole following the common pattern of roadside-bomb emplacement. Coalition forces followed the individuals from the air and used precision-guided munitions against the structure they entered after leaving the road site.

In other news from Iraq, Iraqi police and Task Force Baghdad soldiers responded to an anonymous tip regarding a car bomb in southern Baghdad on Jan 1. The bomb was seized and rendered safe by explosive teams.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Task Force Baghdad news releases.)