British Troops seize ammunition and weapons in Iraq raid

The raids, carried out by soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, took place in Az Zubayr, a town approximately 15 km south of Basra City, in the early hours of the morning, Saturday 27 January 2007.

At just after midnight local time, a group of unknown males were identified caching mortar rounds in a compound. The men were observed transferring the mortars into two vehicles, one of which was then tracked to a house in the town of Az Zubayr, where it parked up.

After a further period of observation, the 1 Yorks Battlegroup soldiers raided the house and found a number of weapons, including rockets, ammunition, radio equipment and timer units. Shortly after the raid on the house, the original compound which had been under earlier observation, was also raided. Following a thorough search, between 4-500 mortar rounds were discovered.

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Three men were then seen running from the compound and were tracked to a nearby building, which was also struck by British soldiers a short time later. One man was detained during this raid.

Lieutenant Jamie Metcalfe, from the 1 Yorks Battlegroup, explained how the operation unfolded:

"Acting on information, the operation was aimed at undermining the ability of militant groups who try to attack Multi National Forces. It was particularly impressive how quickly the Battlegroup responded to the information we received. The strike was carried out quickly and efficiently.

"We do know there are militants operating in this area. The fact that we found such a large amount of ammunition that could be used for either mortar attacks or for producing Improvised Explosive Devices means we have certainly put them on the back foot.

"The men we have detained will be taken to a detention facility where they will be processed by the Iraqi judicial system."

Lt Metcalfe believes that raids such as this send out a strong message to those who plan and carry out attacks on Multi National Forces in southern Iraq:

"We gathered some very useful information on the ground that could lead to us carrying out further operations. I believe this sends out the message that we are watching them and if they do try to launch attacks on us we have the means and capability to bring them to justice."

UK troops are working hard to establish the infrastructure of democratic governance in southern Iraq. The 1 Yorks Battlegroup, who cover a large area of Basrah Province, deployed to Iraq in October 2006. The Battlegroup, whose operating area covers a large portion of Basrah Province, comprises soldiers from a number of units including 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment and 38 (Seringapatam) Battery 40 Regt Royal Artillery.