Iraqi tip saves lives, Coalition forces prevent attacks

Blackanthem.com, BAGHDAD, Iraq, April 14, 2005

A timely tip from a local citizen and the quick actions of Task Force Baghdad Soldiers saved the lives of Multi-National Forces and Iraqi civilians April 12 when three improvised explosive devices were disabled before they exploded. 

An Iraqi local national in a neighborhood northwest of Baghdad told Soldiers about a round inside a concrete block with wires coming out of it. The Soldiers secured the site and contacted an explosives ordnance disposal team. The explosives team found two 152-millimeter rounds and safely detonated them.

“I think more and more people are starting to see the value of the anonymous TIP hotline,” said Lt. Col. Clifford Kent, a Task Force Baghdad spokesperson. “Iraqi citizens are stepping forward to tell us about terrorist activity in their neighborhoods and now they’re starting to see tangible results like this, where lives are saved by the information they provide.”

Iraqi Security Forces and Task Force Baghdad officials strongly encourage local citizens to report suspicious behavior by e-mailing baghdadtipshotline@yahoo.com or calling one of the TIPS hotlines at 07901737723 or 07901737727.

In another part of the city, an Iraqi Police patrol found a possible IED in a black bag on a highway. An explosives team safely detonated the bag.

Another Task Force Baghdad patrol struck an IED while on patrol in west Baghdad. Soldiers responded to the attack by searching a nearby housing complex and cemetery. In one of the houses, the Soldiers found several hollowed-out concrete blocks used to hide IEDs. A local national was detained for questioning. 

Other Soldiers on patrol in west Baghdad had a rocket-propelled grenade fired at them. The unit reacted to the attack by searching a house in the area where the round was fired. The Soldiers found two improvised rocket launchers, wire, a pager and a garage door opener.

Task Force Baghdad PAO