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| October 06, 2006 |
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Oregon Soldiers bust Pakistani smugglers in Afghanistan
Oct. 4, 2006
Release # 0610-15
SECURITY FORCE STOPS PAKISTANI SMUGGLERS
Oregon Soldiers Bust Thieves and End Security Threat
Story By Cathrin Fraker
KABUL, Afghanistan – On Sept. 25, Camp Phoenix Security Forces (SECFOR) raided a nearby compound capturing 18 men suspected of pilfering U.S. connexes in route to Camp Phoenix.
Soldiers from SECFOR received tips that connexes were being opened and contents were stolen prior to their arrival to Camp Phoenix and other Coalition locations. Intel suggested this was happening frequently as Pakistani truck drivers made contact and stopped on the way so smugglers could pilfer the connexes, reseal and send them onto their final destination. The stolen goods are then sold at various locations.
Spc. Richard Newberg, of Roseburg, Ore. and Pfc. Carl Schotthoefer of Grant's Pass, Ore. were working in a guard tower that evening. As soon as they saw the suspected vehicles moving into a compound they alerted the Base Defense and Operations Center (BDOC).
The BDOC redirected a dismounted patrol to assist in the raid. Sgt. Justin Dorn of Medford, Ore. led the members of his patrol to include some members of the Afghan National Police (ANP) to the compound. Mounted forces from the Ready Reaction Force (RRF) and Quick Reaction Force (QRF) were sent out to cordon the area to prevent the escape of any suspects. The command to move in was given and Alpha Company, 1st Platoon, 4th Squad entered the compound and apprehended the thieves.
Due to the tower guard's ability to maintain visibility of the situation and willingness of several local nationals to help, all the suspects were captured and taken to a local ANP Station for further questioning.
"Relationships built in the community were directly responsible for this success mission," 2nd. Lt. Scott Marman, SECFOR Intelligence Officer, said.
Soldiers of Task Force Phoenix SECFOR have a feeling of accomplishment after eliminating this recurring security threat.
"They felt it was what they were sent here to do and they get great satisfaction from it," Marmam said. "Professionalism and proficiency were the order of the day."
Photos:
0610-15-01.jpg- KABUL, Afghanistan – On Sept. 25, Camp Phoenix Security Forces (SECFOR) raided a nearby compound capturing 18 men suspected of pilfering U.S. connexes in route to Camp Phoenix. Soldiers from A Company, 1-186 Infantry Battalion, 41st BCT hold suspected thieves for questioning. Photo by Spc. Joshua Phillips
0610-15-02.jpg- KABUL, Afghanistan – On Sept. 25, Soldiers from A Company, 1-186 Infantry Battalion, 41st BCT inspect the truck carrying connexes. The truck was maneuvered next to a mobile crane where one of the connexes is lifted and moved slightly to allow access to the doors. Photo by Spc. Joshua Phillips
Contact Info:
COMBINED JOINT TASK FORCE PHOENIX V
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
CAMP PHOENIX
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN
APO AE 09320
Mobile: 070-484-620
DSN: 318-237-2063
Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office
503-584-3917
Kay Fristad
503-584-3917
cell 503-931-5179
Capt Mike Braibish
503-584-3886
cell 503-932-5805
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