BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad aerial weapons teams conducted operations against criminal elements in Baghdad May 10.

Following an indirect-fire attack in central Baghdad, an MND-B AWT made positive identification of a rocket rail at the point of origin in the Sadr City district of Baghdad used to launch the attack.

The AWT engaged a criminal element on site at approximately 6:40 a.m. with two Hellfire missiles. One criminal was killed, and the rocket rail and a shack were destroyed. Secondary explosions at the site also indicate that illegal weapons also were destroyed.

At approximately 10 a.m., an AWT observed five criminals east of Al Hajj Jabr in the New Baghdad district of eastern Baghdad. The criminals were heavily armed with a rocket-propelled grenade, two PKC light machineguns and two AK-47 rifles. The AWT fired two Hellfire missiles and killed all five men.

“As previously stated, if we observe criminals or terrorists committing a violent act, we will engage them in defense of the Iraqi people, their security forces and U.S. soldiers,“ said Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff, MND-B and 4th Inf. Div.

“If we can catch them before they commit a violent act, that's even better as we are saving lives,” Batschelet said.