Iraqi Civil Defense finds weapons cache

BAGHDAD, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Members of the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps turned over a large weapons cache to Kazakh forces operating with coalition forces near Baghdad.

The Multi-National Forces in Iraq said the cache of unexploded ordnances contained more than 1,000 57 mm mortar rounds, 51 120 mm mortar mines, several hundred artillery rounds and more than 1,000 small-arms cartridges.

The Iraqi Civil Defense Corps is affiliated with the Iraqi Interior Ministry, which handles explosives. The unit turned over the ordnances to Kazakh soldiers working with coalition forces.

A liaison with the Kazakhstan forces said portions of the cache were remnants of the Iran-Iraq war.

Col. Peter Baker with the U.S. Army's 214th Fires Brigade said the munitions were of the type used to manufacture improvised explosive devices.

"This is a significant cache of unexploded ordnance and fuses. This is just another indication of how serious Iraqis are about security and stability," Baker said. "They are making the effort."

"Iraqis have taken over 1,300 IEDs out of the hands of criminals … this is a wonderful way to start the new year," he said.