Coalition Troops Take Possession Of Weapons Cache
Forward Operating Base, Delta
Explosive munitions and various rockets made by the Iranians were discovered and surrendered to Coalition forces near Base Delta on December 4th.
Fourteen 107mm rockets manufactured in Iran, and fuses were delivered by Iraqi Civil Defense personnel, for Coalition safekeeping and disposal. Groups of rockets and explosives have been surrendered to Coalition Forces on other occasions, but this was the first time that Iranian manufactured arms were discovered and turned over.
“This is one of the best indications that we are winning over the local Iraqi people,†said Colonel Peter Baker, the 214th Fire Brigade Commander. The date on the rockets is 2006.
“What better indication of how much Iraqi cooperation has improved?†said Colonel Baker.
“Everyone knows these are rockets that are not legal, and they can kill or maim Iraqi as well as Coalition Forces,†said Baker.
Signs are everywhere that the Iraqi people are becoming vested and taking ownership of their own country from Coalition Forces. This is just another small example.
“As the area becomes stable, we can undertake more projects to help out our Iraqi Neighbors,†said Colonel Baker. “We can help in education, supplies support, and health areas,†said Baker.
Recently more and more activity supports the extent that the Iraqi people are beginning to take ownership and responsibility for their own Nation. “We have known for a long time that the Iraqi people and their officials have to be part of the reconstruction and security. They are beginning to take part, and in some cases able to assume a whole area of responsibilityâ€.
