Iraqi Security Forces repel attacks in Mosul Print E-mail
Sunday, 20 May 2007

A Soldier from 4th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, pulls security before an operation. Iraqi Army and Police repelled a citywide terrorist attack in Mosul, which targeted bridges, police stations, a transitional jail to free prisoners and a combat outpost Wednesday. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Armando Monroig, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.
A Soldier from 4th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, pulls security before an operation. Iraqi Army and Police repelled a citywide terrorist attack in Mosul, which targeted bridges, police stations, a transitional jail to free prisoners and a combat outpost Wednesday. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Armando Monroig, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.
BAGHDAD — Iraqi Security Forces repelled a large-scale terrorist attack in Mosul Wednesday.

Iraqi Security Forces countered several terrorists who targeted bridges, transition jails, police stations and a combat outpost with vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, sporadic small-arms fire and indirect mortar attacks throughout the evening.

“This was a total team effort on the part of the Iraqi Security Forces and emergency responders,” said U.S. Army Col. Stephen Twitty, commander of 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. “This Iraqi team showed the people of Mosul that they are resolute in their efforts to defeat this very cowardly, desperate enemy while protecting innocent civilians.”

The first wave of attacks consisted of three VBIEDs, which targeted the Badush Bridge northwest of Mosul at 5:15 p.m., and was followed by another VBIED attack at the Aski-Mosul Bridge west of the city at 5:45 p.m.

Two more VBIEDs exploded outside a police station and a transition jail during the first wave. The first VBIED was a dump truck, which detonated upon reaching the entrance to the station. The driver of the second VBIED attempted to enter the compound but was killed by Iraqi Security Forces.

As the driver of the second VBIED was killed, terrorists attempted to breach the transition jail to release prisoners by using small-arms fire. However, Iraqi Security Forces quelled the attempt and kept the facility secured.

The second wave of attacks involved another dump truck VBIED parked outside a southeast police station at approximately 7 p.m. As the driver abandoned the vehicle, he was seen by Iraqi Police and was killed as he was fleeing the area. The Iraqi Police immediately cordoned the vicinity before detonation. No casualties resulted.

Small-arms fire erupted during the second wave at seven police stations throughout the city and one combat outpost. In all cases, Iraqi Army and Police repelled the enemy and killed at least 15 terrorists and turned back the remaining opposition.

“The Iraqi Security Forces are in the lead, and they are certainly a capable force,” said Twitty. “Their reactions to the attacks [on Wednesday] only serve to prove their ability to destroy and remove terrorists. Their actions demonstrate their commitment to this city and its people. I am extremely proud to serve beside them.”

According to Mosul police chief Gen. Wathiq, a citywide, a non-movement curfew was imposed citywide and bridges in the city were closed. Iraqi Police and the Provincial Joint Communications Center coordinated recovery and casualty evacuation.

Small-arms fire and mortar attacks targeted Iraqi Security Forces and a Coalition base throughout the evening, but remained isolated and sporadic.

By Thursday morning, Iraqi Police discovered three vehicles with numerous weapons and detained 30 suspects. Iraqi Army and Police continued to sweep the areas as local leaders restricted movement around key infrastructure within the city.

Applauding their successful quelling of the attacks, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commanding general of Multi-National Division-North, said the Iraqi Army and Police have demonstrated their capability and commitment to securing the population and defeating terrorists in whatever cowardly method they choose to disrupt the Iraqi people’s right to life and freedom.

(U.S. Army story courtesy of Multi-National Division-North)

In other developments throughout Iraq:

• Coalition forces detained 11 individuals during operations Friday and Saturday, including nine suspected of involvement in the May 12 kidnapping of three U.S. Soldiers.

• Multi-National Division-Central South Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) group provided humanitarian aid to the Iraqi Association of Disabled People and Prisoners of War Rights.