Marines capture massive weapons depot in Central Iraq

[redman]

Here's a press release from CentCom:

March 31, 2003

Release Number: 03-03-104

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1ST MARINE DIVISION CAPTURES IRAQI AMMUNITION SUPPLY DEPOT

In-Depth Coverage

CENTRAL IRAQ –U.S. Marines from the 1st Marine Division captured an immense Iraqi ammunition supply depot in South-Central Iraq early Sunday.

Marines from 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment secured 40 ammunition warehouses that compare in size to the ammunition supply point at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.

“We continue to press the attack against the enemy, conducting spoiling raids while eliminating Saddam’s ability to support his death squads and their mistreatment of the Iraqi people, said Colonel Bennett W. Saylor, 1st Marine Division Chief of Staff.

The Marines found scores of ammunition, rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, mortars and various other small arms and crew-served weapons.

“It will take several days to determine how much ordnance and ammunition we discovered and then properly dispose of it,” said Maj. David Fritz, 1st Marine Division ordnance officer.

Marine Corps demolitions and ordnance experts were called to the scene to evaluate how to dispose of the weapons and ammunition.

No Marines or civilians were injured during this mission.

The Marine Corps is committed to the freedom of the Iraqi people and continues undeterred toward victory in “Operation Iraqi Freedom.”

[inmate running the asylum]

I heard that there was so much ammunition there, it was going to take them a week just to blow it up. Unbelievable.