FOB HAMMER - Concerned Local Citizens (CLCs) manning a checkpoint in the village of Al Quali, outside of Combat Outpost (CO) Cahill, killed 2 extremists and detained one after being attacked during a routine vehicle search Jan. 16.
According to 1st Lt. Matt Barwick, fire support officer for Co B, 1st Bn, 15th Inf Regt, approx, 5 CLCs stopped a white truck, with 3 individuals inside, at a checkpoint.
After searching the vehicle, the team discovered IED materials in the bed of the truck. The CLCs were attempting to detain all 3 suspects when one of the men pulled a grenade out of his pocket and threw it at the CLCs, Barwick explained.
The CLCs retaliated with small-arms fire, Barwick said. Approx. 35 CLCs from surrounding checkpoints heard the incident and ran to help. 2 of the 3 extremists from the truck were killed.
3 of the CLCs were treated by 1-15th Inf. Regt. medical personnel for minor injuries obtained during the attack.
Barwick said the event is significant because the CLCs took complete charge of the situation. Since the CLC group was established in the area, they would call Company B and identify extremist activity, but would not directly approach suspects. "It wasn't until (now) that the CLCs volunteered to detain extremists in their own village," Barwick said. "The fact that CF reacted so quickly shows the CLCs they have the support to continue to protect their communities."
Barwick said the event also sends a message to extremists. "It shows that the CLCs aren't afraid to police their own villages," he said. "Every time they get someone, they are more motivated to clear out the bad people in their communities."
