Ambushed!
Things are getting more and more hectic now that the Iraqi government is moving forward. The "bad guys" are doing whatever they can to chip away at the resolve of the new Iraqi leaders and the foreign troops and contractors assisting them. Many of the attacks are haphazard and spontaneous but many of them show planning and structuring.
A convoy escorted by Strykers encountered one such well structured plan the other day. The convoy consisted of three water tankers, two fuel tankers, a truck carrying MRE's, bottled water and other supplies plus a handful of other vehicles. The Strykers space themselves out within the line of vehicles plus at the front and rear of the column.
One Stryker runs out ahead of the convoy alert for IED's and other dangers. The attackers let each vehicle cross the bridge in turn and move on. When the last vehicle wheeled onto the bridge - it happened.
Fifteen to twenty attackers armed with RPG's, AK-47's and machine guns spring their attack. An RPG is let loose at the first truck in the convoy, crippling it. The lead truck is now disabled and blocking the way forward. The ditches at the approach to the bridge keep the heavily laden trucks on the road. The Iraqi's are following SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for a convoy ambush. The Strykers and everybody else knows at the instant the first RPG hits what's about to happen.
And it happens before the smoke settles from the first hit. Another RPG streaks out from concealment directed at the Stryker stopped on the bridge. This is an attempt to disable the vehicle on the bridge blocking the convoys retreat. This RPG impacts low against the railing on the bridge. It's a stroke of luck for the convoy. So far only one vehicle damaged. Two more RPG's are fired but miss their targets in the confusing fire fight that is erupting at the bridge crossing.
As soon as the first RPG was fired the Strykers moved into action. They lay down fire to disrupt the attack and throw off the aim of any more RPG gunners. 40mm grenades are lobbed continuously into the suspected hiding places of the insurgents as 50 cal bullets impact in the scrub and bushes. M-4 Carbines add their steel to the mix. Ak-47's and Soviet made machine guns return fire - but only for a brief period. Knowing they are out gunned the "bad guys" retreat - the Strykers sending them on their way with some additional fire.
One truck driver wounded by shrapnel. Lot's of blood but not a serious wound.
One truck disabled. It'll need to be towed.
Several Iraqi dead, they won't be conducting any more attacks.
One foiled ambush.
A convoy escorted by Strykers encountered one such well structured plan the other day. The convoy consisted of three water tankers, two fuel tankers, a truck carrying MRE's, bottled water and other supplies plus a handful of other vehicles. The Strykers space themselves out within the line of vehicles plus at the front and rear of the column.
One Stryker runs out ahead of the convoy alert for IED's and other dangers. The attackers let each vehicle cross the bridge in turn and move on. When the last vehicle wheeled onto the bridge - it happened.
Fifteen to twenty attackers armed with RPG's, AK-47's and machine guns spring their attack. An RPG is let loose at the first truck in the convoy, crippling it. The lead truck is now disabled and blocking the way forward. The ditches at the approach to the bridge keep the heavily laden trucks on the road. The Iraqi's are following SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for a convoy ambush. The Strykers and everybody else knows at the instant the first RPG hits what's about to happen.
And it happens before the smoke settles from the first hit. Another RPG streaks out from concealment directed at the Stryker stopped on the bridge. This is an attempt to disable the vehicle on the bridge blocking the convoys retreat. This RPG impacts low against the railing on the bridge. It's a stroke of luck for the convoy. So far only one vehicle damaged. Two more RPG's are fired but miss their targets in the confusing fire fight that is erupting at the bridge crossing.
As soon as the first RPG was fired the Strykers moved into action. They lay down fire to disrupt the attack and throw off the aim of any more RPG gunners. 40mm grenades are lobbed continuously into the suspected hiding places of the insurgents as 50 cal bullets impact in the scrub and bushes. M-4 Carbines add their steel to the mix. Ak-47's and Soviet made machine guns return fire - but only for a brief period. Knowing they are out gunned the "bad guys" retreat - the Strykers sending them on their way with some additional fire.
One truck driver wounded by shrapnel. Lot's of blood but not a serious wound.
One truck disabled. It'll need to be towed.
Several Iraqi dead, they won't be conducting any more attacks.
One foiled ambush.
posted by deesci | 8:29 PM
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