Iraq intercepts donkeys carrying land-mines from Iran – military

Iran Focus: London, Nov. 03 – The United States-led coalition in Iraq said in a statement on Thursday that an Iraqi security patrol had intercepted six “heavily loaded donkeys” carrying dozens of land-mines near the Iran-Iraq border. Iran Focus

London, Nov. 03 – The United States-led coalition in Iraq said in a statement on Thursday that an Iraqi security patrol had intercepted six “heavily loaded donkeys” carrying dozens of land-mines near the Iran-Iraq border.

“While on routine patrol in eastern Diyala Province, five kilometres from the Iraq-Iran border, Iraqi security forces intercepted six heavily loaded donkeys”, according to a statement posted on the website of the Multi-National Force – Iraq (MNF-I).

“Upon investigation, the patrol discovered six donkeys carrying 53 anti-tank landmines and one anti-tank projectile”, the statement said, adding that two men in the area fled the scene and evaded capture.

The mines were found in “good condition” and determined to be Soviet (TM 62) and Italian (IT VS 2.2) made models. One of the mines was pre-rigged to be used as an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), it said.

“This action by an alert Iraqi border patrol prevented dozens of very lethal munitions from being employed by terrorists,” said Col. Gary Patton, Task Force Lightning chief of staff.

The donkeys were later released unharmed into the local area.