FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20090614-03
June 14, 2009

Iraqi Police uncover huge ammunition cache in Dhi Qar

Multi-National Division-South

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Dhi Qar Provincial Police seized an enormous cache of heavy ordnance, explosives, weapons and small arms ammunition in Nasiriyah June 13.

After a thorough investigation, the Iraqi Police, under command of Staff Maj. Gen. Sabah Al-Fatlawi, found the stockpile of weapons at a home that was turned into a factory for making Improvised Explosive Devices.

Among items in the cache were Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) plates, rockets, artillery shells, electronic triggering mechanisms, C-4, TNT, and numerous other weapons.

The munitions are being examined to determine their origin. 

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment “Steel Tigers” are advising the Iraqi Police in Dhi Qar on proper procedures to classify and safely dispose of the ordnance.

The U.S. battalion is in Dhi Qar to advise and assist Iraqi Security Forces.  These ongoing operations are conducted in accordance with the U.S.-Iraq Security Agreement with Iraqi Security Forces in the lead.