| British troops find huge cache
Friday, 21 July 2006
British Soldiers discovered a significant weapons cache that included sophisticated bomb making equipment, improvised explosive devices, rockets, mortars and hand grenades near Basra on July 18.Story and photo courtesy of British Ministry of Defense
BASRA - British troops in Basra uncovered a large cache of terrorist weapons and equipment in a dawn raid on July 18.
The operation involved Coalition members from Multi-National Division - Southeast, operating in the northeast suburbs of Basra.
The intelligence-led operation was conducted to search property where weapons were believed to be stored in support of terrorist activities.
Early in the operation, British Soldiers were attacked and returned fire. Attacks on the British troops continued from rocket propelled grenades, mortar rounds and small arms fire throughout the operation.
The Soldiers discovered a significant weapons cache that included sophisticated bomb making equipment, improvised explosive devices, rockets, mortars and hand grenades.
More than two tons of weapons were seized by Soldiers from the British 20th Armor Brigade.
Three suspected terrorists were detained during the search operation.
No British troops were injured in the fighting.
Brig. Gen. James Everard, the brigade's commander, said the raid was "highly successful" and achieved the objective.
"Multi-National forces will combat the threat from terrorists and this is an example of the measures we will take to meet our commitment," he said.
"Along side the governor of Basra and members of the provincial security council this was our pledge, signed in a writen undertaking. We have made it clear that in support of the Basra Security Plan, we will combat those who attempt to incite sedition and destabilize the security situation. We will take the necessary steps to reach our mutually desired end state."
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