Thread: Dejavu - Guard team approached by group near Sasabe

Published: 02.19.2007

Guard team approached by group near Sasabe
By Brady McCombs
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
A group of possibly armed men approached a National Guard observatory team near Sasabe Friday night, marking the third close encounter of the year and second in that area.

Armed National Guard members working in an entrance identification team west of the Rancho De La Ossa near Sasabe radioed Border Patrol about a group of several men approaching their post within 100 yards, said Rob Daniels, Border Patrol Tucson Sector spokesman.

Border Patrol officials sent a Black Hawk helicopter and agents in vehicle to the area, Daniels said. They arrived within five to seven minutes, he said.

No shots were fired and there was no altercation but they were definitely approached, Daniels said.

Soldiers using night vision were unsure how many men were in the group and whether they were carrying weapons, he said.

No apprehensions were made.

It is the third known incident involving a National Guard "entrance identification team" this year.

On Jan. 3, a group of armed men, including at least one carrying an AK-47, approached four Tennessee Guardsmen at a post east of Sasabe forcing them to vacate the post and move back. No shots were fired and nobody was hurt.

On Jan. 28, soldiers were attacked with rocks by unknown assailants at an observation post south of Sells. They took cover but did not leave their post.

The Border Patrol is on alert and prepared to back up the soldiers, who are on the border in support of the Border Patrol's mission, Daniels said.

"Based upon the fact that it happened before, we don't have any luxury of discounting anything like that," Daniels said. "When we get notified of something, we respond with everything we can."

Soldiers in entrance identification teams serve as extra eyes and ears for Border Patrol agents by reporting illegal activity but are not allowed to detain illegal entrants.

There are as many as 80 entrance-identification teams along the border in visible posts to serve as deterrents.

In addition working in the observatory posts, the Guard, which has been on the border since June, provide air support; repair vehicles, fences and roads; erect vehicle barriers; and work in offices and camera rooms.

http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/printDS/169953

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