Multi-National Division-Baghdad attack helicopter crews destroyed a homemade explosive factory and cache July 12 northwest of Baghdad. An AH-64D Apache team from 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, first observed two buildings that appeared to be part of an HME factory during a reconnaissance mission July 5.An air assault was planned to establish whether the buildings were used to manufacture the explosive, frequently used by terrorists in roadside and car bombs. The air assault, Operation Eagles, launched at approximately 2 a.m. July 12, with two UH-60 Black Hawks from 3rd “Spearhead” Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, transporting Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cav. Div. to the potential HME site.
The 1-37th FA Soldiers were inserted near the site and confirmed that the buildings were used to manufacture explosives. The Soldiers also found an anti-aircraft weapon in the buildings and two trailers and eight vehicles at the site. After getting clearance from the ground forces, the Apache helicopter crews fired on the buildings, destroying them and the anti-aircraft weapon system. The Apaches also destroyed the two trailers and fired on the vehicles.