MNFI Press Release - Apr 21

TIP LEADS MULTINATIONAL SOLDIERS TO WEAPONS CACHES
Acting on a tip from a citizen, Soldiers from Battery A, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), located two weapons caches and a possible vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) near the Ci Ci Bar Canal on April 20th. One cache, found in a spider hole, contained (22) 120 mm mortar rounds, (560) artillery fuses and (37) 23 mm projectiles. The VBIED and another cache consisting of (3) IEDs were also found nearby. The caches were destroyed on site.

MULTINATIONAL SOLDIERS, SOI SEIZE IED, RPGs
Multinational Soldiers seized an IED at approximately 9:30 p.m. on April 20th in the West Rashid district of southern Baghdad. The IED was found based on information provided by an Abna al-Iraq, or Sons of Iraq (SOI) member. Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, found the IED made of homemade explosives that was rigged to an Iraqi Security Forces vehicle. They cordoned off the vehicle and contacted an explosives ordnance disposal team to destroy the find.

Earlier in the same district, Multinational Soldiers seized two rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) with a launcher at approximately 8:30 p.m. during a combined patrol from Joint Security Station Risalah. Concentrated security operations are being conducting with Iraqi Security Forces as part of ongoing operations to stop criminal activity in Baghdad. "Thanks to the continuing efforts of the Iraqi Security Forces, the Brigade continues to apply pressure to the enemy, and provide a safe and secure environment for the Iraqi people," said Maj. David Olson, public affairs spokesperson for Multinational Division - Baghdad.

IRAQI ARMY CAPTURES SUSPECTED INSURGENT LEADER
Soldiers from the 4th Iraqi Army Division, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained a suspected insurgent cell leader in an operation in Ta’Mim province on April 20th. The Iraqi Army conducted the operation to capture the suspect and disrupt the activities of an insurgent network operating in the area. The suspect is accused of conducting IED and small-arms fire attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces. He is also believed to be a weapons trafficker in the Hawijah area who terrorizes Iraqi citizens. One other suspect was detained for questioning.


IRAQI NATIONAL POLICE GRADUATE CARABINIERI TRAINING
More than 400 Iraqi National Police graduated from the third Carabinieri-trained Iraqi National Police Course on April 21st at Camp Dublin in Baghdad. The graduates were commended by Iraqi National Police commander, Maj. General Hussein; Italian Carabinieri Corps general commander, Lt. General Gianfrancesco Siazzu; and NATO Training Mission – Iraq deputy commander, Italian Army Maj. General Alessandro Pompegnani. Each of the speakers told the police graduates that the Carabinieri-trained National Police Course takes into account Iraq's unique security concerns and the challenges of maintaining security for a free Iraq. The national police must consider national, regional and local priorities when performing duties to protect citizens. "I want to commend the national policemen who recently lost their lives doing what we have trained each of you to do for your country," said Pompegnani. "You are being trained to provide a secure environment for the citizens of Iraq."

The Carabinieri training represents a concerted effort by the Ministry of Interior to provide the Iraqi people the most professional law enforcement service possible. Siazzu expressed his support of the Carabinieri training for the Iraqi National Police. The training helps to improve the overall professionalism of the national police and builds upon the basic training skills already possessed. The training received by the national police represents a response to recent acts of violence toward Iraqi Security Forces. Iraqi National Police graduates demonstrated a variety of skills, which they learned in training for the attendees such as crowd and anti-riot control, building breaches and vehicle searches before dancing jubilantly in the streets to celebrate their graduation.