Concerned Citizens Help to Stem Violence in Iraq

By Fred W. Baker III | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2007 - Lacking technology that can see bombs inside cars or explosive vests under clothing, coalition forces are getting help from local concerned citizen groups to get "ahead of the blast" in what officials say is the most effective way to stem those types of violence.

Officials are using the surge of tips from local groups to attack networks of insurgent activities. The payoff has been a 60-percent drop in attacks in the country in the past six months, Navy Rear Adm. Gregory J. Smith, director of communications and deputy spokesman for Multinational Corps Iraq, said in a news briefing to reporters yesterday. There has been a 15-percent drop in improvised explosive device attacks between October and November, he said.

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