United States Marine Corps

Press Release
Public Affairs Office
24th Marine Expeditionary Unit
Capt. David Nevers

Contact: neversde@24meufwd.usmc.mil

Release # 1012-04-1046

Marines Kill Would-be Suicide Bomber
Oct 11, 2004

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq -- U.S. Marines destroyed an explosives-laden vehicle as it barreled toward their position near Yusufiyah today, thwarting the latest in a series of attacks on U.S. and Iraqi forces determined to deprive insurgents of sanctuary south of Baghdad.

The attack came as elements of 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines – operating under the command of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit – were conducting a controlled detonation of a cache of weapons and ammunition they had uncovered earlier.

A vehicle matching the description of one the Marines had been warned about approached them at high speed. When it became apparent the driver had no intention of stopping, the Marines opened fire, and the vehicle exploded. No Marines were injured, and there was no damage to their equipment.

The Marines resumed their work at the site, discovering additional munitions, including mortars, rockets, rocket-propelled grenades, and rifles.

Attacks by anti-Iraqi forces have multiplied near Yusufiyah during the past week, coinciding with a surge in the area by Iraqi security forces and their U.S. allies.

Since Oct. 5, when the combined force launched a province-wide operation designed to capture or kill AIF and disrupt their activity, ISF and U.S. forces have captured more than 100 suspected insurgents.

The operation is part of a joint effort to restore security and stability to the area.

For more information, contact Capt. David Nevers at neversde@24meufwd.usmc.mil, or visit the unit's Web site at www.usmc.mil/24meu.


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Text-only version of release attached below:


Marines Kill Would-be Suicide Bomber.txt