U.S. Military Uncovers Weapons Cache near Mosul

Black Anthem, a military newspaper for enlisted personnel, reported this week that one of the largest caches of massive explosives was found. The report stated that an Iraqi civilian tipped off troops which led to the discovery.

The hoard, found on June 15, was said to be over 1,600 pounds of various artillery charges and propellant. Found near Mosul, this marks the second successful operation this week. Two al-Qaeda cell leaders, along with their associates, were captured in the first one.

The information for both of these successful missions came from civilian tips. Black Anthem quoted Major General Benjamin R Mixon, "Iraqi citizens are making a choice to stand with their Iraqi Security Forces and the Coalition."

Mixon went on to say, "We are seeing that many Iraqis are thoroughly disgusted with al-Qaeda and their violence. Many of these recent successful raids and discoveries are in a large part due to the greater amount of information and cooperation the Iraqi people are providing."

Sa'id Hamza, known as the al-Qaeda military emir of Mosul, in Iraq, was killed by Coalition Forces June 12. Success in that raid was also credited to civilian tips. Intelligence reports alleged Hamza to be involved in the planning and executing of suicide bombings in the Mosul area.

"The Iraqi people are growing confidence in the ISF and choosing stability and security. They are bringing us information on al-Qaeda because they are disgusted with the indiscriminate violence al-Qaeda uses to intimidate Iraqi citizens," said Mixon, according to Black Anthem.

On Tuesday, according to Black Anthem, Coalition Forces began Operation Arrowhead Ripper. U.S. Army Brigadier General Mick Bednarek was quoted as saying, "The end state is to destroy the al-Qaeda influences in this province and eliminate their threat against the people. That is the number one, bottom-line, up-front, in your face task and purpose."Some 10,000 soldiers, in various operations, have been responsible, in the past week, for capturing 17 individuals who are either known for their terrorist activities or associations.

Operation Bull Run was a success in interrupting insurgent forces by discovering several small caches of explosives, propaganda, weapons and explosives. This task was a joint venture including the Iraqi National Police and Iraqi soldiers, according to Black Anthem.

On a lighter note, new life still comes in Iraq. During maneuvers, troops came across a pregnant woman who seemed to be in need of assistance. Medics determined the woman was in labor. Iraqi custom states that only an Islamic doctor can deliver the baby. The troops helped escort the woman to the local hospital in Baghdad. Mom and baby are doing fine. This according to 1st Lt. Juan J. Ortiz, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment.

Source: Black Anthem Military News; 1st Lt. Juan Oriz, Spc. Ben Hutto, Multi-National Division, Multi-National Force-Iraq;