Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080413-04
April 13, 2008

MND-B Air Weapons Team engages IED emplacers, wounds three locals (Baghdad)

Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – A Baghdad air weapons team engaged individuals conducting criminal activities in the Baghdad neighborhood of New Baghdad April 12.

An AWT observed four criminals emplacing improvised explosives devices at approximately 1 p.m. The AWT then engaged with a Hellfire missile destroying the IED and killing two of the criminals.

The AWT engaged the remaining criminals with a second Hellfire missile.

The second missile overshot its intended target and struck a Coalition forces vehicle, starting it and nearby houses on fire. The remaining criminals escaped capture.

Multi-National Corps – Iraq is investigating the cause of the misfire.

An Iraqi Security Forces unit and MND-B soldiers in the area aided local fire services and provided medical support to three local civilians and two Coalition forces soldiers wounded by the fires.

Once the scene was secure MND-B soldiers handed out claims cards to the civilians affected so they could begin the claims process.

“This afternoon’s events are unfortunate and our apologies go out to those innocent civilians who were affected,” said COL Bill Buckner, a MNC-I spokesman. “We take every precaution possible when going after the enemy, an enemy who has no concern for the safety or security of the Iraqi people.”

This incident remains under investigation.

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