Ross-on-Wye soldier Private Nick Christian was in a team whose operations led to the arrest of three suspected Iraqi insurgents and the uncovering of a large arms cache – all within two weeks of arriving on their latest tour of Iraq.
The unit from the First Battalion The Light Infantry, which leads the Basra City Battlegroup, took part in targeted simultaneous searches on a number of houses and workplaces.
“It was exciting to be out on an operation so soon after arriving in theatre,” said 20-year-old former John Kyrle High School pupil Nick.
“We had to make sure the team got to the right place at the right time and got out rapidly. This kind of task is what we have been training for and it all went smoothly.
“Our role as a reconnaissance platoon was to provide a cordon and force protection to allow other troops, who were carrying out the searches to do their job safely,” he added.
The detained Iraqis are believed to have been involved in smuggling and manufacturing weapons and equipment used in terrorist attacks on the Iraqi Police and multi-national forces.
The find included nine large rockets, an RPG7 grenade launcher, nine RPG warheads, four hand grenades, four mortar rounds, 18 boxes of ammunition, two AK47 assault rifles and an automatic pistol.
The search operation focused on a welding and carpenter’s shop in the Al Quibla area of Basra.
It took place close to where a British Army officer was severely wounded and an Iraqi interpreter was killed by an insurgent booby trap in March.
Commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Bowron, said: “This operation targeted suspected criminals and terrorists, a large amount of ammunition and bomb making equipment was discovered and the three people arrested are now being questioned.”
“No shots were fired during the operation which continues our attempts to improve law and order in Basra.”
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