Terrorist attack burns Iraqi cemetery and threatens newly-renovated Muslim shrine

Editor's Note: The following press release was recently received from CPT Monte Hibbert, 116th BCT Public Affairs, serving in Iraq with the 116th Engineering Battalion of the Idaho National Guard. Some of the soldiers of that battalion are from the Orofino Armory.

FOB WARRIOR, Iraq - In a new twist to the growing number of terrorist attacks that do more damage to Iraqis than the claimed targets, terrorists launched indirect fire into a coalition base June 1 hitting an historic Iraqi cemetery and threatening an Iraqi shrine with the ensuing brush fire.

The cemetery and co-located shrine, dedicated to Imam Sultan Saqy, were recently renovated by local workers using coalition funds. The historic site is located on Forward Operating Base Warrior near Kirkuk, Iraq, where the 116th Brigade Combat Team is headquartered.

"Apparently the insurgents aren't satisfied with only killing innocent Iraqi men, women, and children," said Brig. Gen. Alan Gayhart, commander of the 116th BCT. "Now they are even desecrating the tombs and holy sites of their ancestors."

According to reports, the attacks occurred around 3 p.m. when two rounds were acquired by radar entering the base. The impact caused a brush fire that consumed the brush in about half of the cemetery and would have damaged the shrine if firefighters had not extinguished the blaze.

Iraqi authorities encourage community members to contact their local Joint Coordination Center with any information regarding terrorist or criminal activities.

Photo: A brush fire caused by an insurgent indirect fire attack on Forward Operating Base Warrior in Kirkuk, Iraq, burned the cemetery and threatened the shrine to Imam Sultan Saqy June 1. (Photo by Lt. Col. Dean Hagerman, 116th BCT)