BAGHDAD, Iraq, July 28, 2004 - The Iraqi Police Service’s Major Crimes Unit successfully conducted a massive raid on a sophisticated terrorist safe house cell July 27 as part of the ongoing effort to provide security to the citizens of Iraq, according to Office of Security Transition officials.

The shakedown snared a staggering haul of 21 anti-tank mines, 25 60mm mortars, 105 rocket propelled grenades, 150 82mm mortars and two enemy vehicles including one wired with heavy explosives. The other was positively identified as a vehicle used in a mortar attack a little more than two weeks ago.

“This place was a big operation, because it had computers and even American uniforms and ski masks like those used in the Jihad terrorist videos,” a high ranking Major Crimes Unit officer said.

“We received information that this ‘foxhole for terrorists’ was there, so we put down a plan and raided them,” he said. “And by the grace of God, my men performed very well and professionally."

The Major Crimes Unit, instituted a little more than a year ago with coalition assistance, is a police force unit specifically tasked with countering terrorism, kidnapping, organized crime and money laundering operations. The official reported that the terrorist operation was the largest it had taken down since operations began last summer.

In addition to the weapons and munitions recovery, a series of individual identifications was recovered. One individual was apprehended. All ordnance was turned over to coalition forces for destruction. The investigation is still underway.

“I think it will improve security dramatically,” the official said, “and it gives us a morale boost to keep doing better.

“This is a big victory for the Iraqi police,” he said.