National Police repelled an attack on their outpost by unknown gunmen in Samarra June 18. More than 2,000 Iraqi soldiers and policemen moved into Samarra to provide additional security for its citizens following the recent attack on the Askira Mosque June 13.
NPs were occupying and conducting patrols about two miles from the Askira Mosque when gunmen attacked with small-arms fire and a suicide car bomb. NPs defended their outpost, returning fire from a nearby checkpoint and repelling the attack with minimal casualties. “This demonstrates total lack of respect for the Askira Mosque in light of its recent attack,” said Col. Bryan Owens, commander, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. “The policemen injured were dedicated to protecting the mosque from any future attacks.”
The car bomb damaged the outside of a school and other buildings in the immediate area. There was no damage to the Askira Mosque. Two NPs injured in the attack were transported to a Coalition ForcesÂ’ medical facility for treatment. |