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A street vendor sits with his son in Fallujah, Iraq, Dec. 15. The city’s marketplace has returned since Operation Al Fajr ended last year.
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Ronna M. Weyland
Posted on 12/28/2005 9:50:50 AM PST by SandRat
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Dec. 27, 2005) -- A little more than one year ago, the Iraqi people faced a fierce insurgency in Fallujah, and the Marines were called in to correct it. The battle which caused its population to be displaced also caused damage to the city’s infrastructure. Now, Marines and coalition forces assist in rebuilding the city.
Before the fight to clear the insurgent stronghold, Fallujah had a population of about 300,000 people, according to John K. Weston, U.S. State Department spokesman. By the time the attack was launched, the vast majority of the population left the area.
After the world witnessed the death of four American contractors, Marines and Iraqi Security Forces launched a major assault against the insurgents in the desolate city. Days after the assault began, negotiations between the Iraqi government and coalition forces forged a cease fire.
Eventually the agreement dissolved and the city became a base for the insurgency. Operation Al Fajr followed, a joint offensive to clear terrorists out of Fallujah.
Marines moved into through insurgent-infested streets and killed or captured them. Consequently, the city suffered extensive infrastructure damage in some areas.
“The economic challenges are going to be the areas in the industrial section of the city where a lot of the bad guys were operating from,” said Weston. “They had a lot of bombs dropped on it. That right there is where 68 percent of the jobs were based, and that’s the big focus for us and them. There’s been more damage in Fallujah probably than any other city in Iraq.”
Residents were allowed to return in mid-December 2004, however, reconstruction is progressing and more than 150,000 Fallujans have yet to return to the city.
“One of the biggest things that stands out in my mind was when I was out here during Operation [Al Fajr],” said Lance Cpl. Anthony Hager, who deployed in 2004 with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, under 1st Marine Division. “I was in the [Civil Military Operation Center] and there was a big firefight in the mosque across the street. During my first convoy, when I came back out here in July this year, I saw that mosque was rebuilt. They put bricks up where tanks passed through and where bullet holes riddled the walls. That was the first sign where I felt that what we do does make a difference.”
Although Hager, who currently provides security at the CMOC, stays within the gates, he said he’s witnessed the reconstruction phase in Fallujah and interacts with city residents whenever possible.
“I haven’t convoyed a lot, but from the convoys I have ridden in I see people wave at us,” said Hager. “Compared to when I came in the last time, the only people we saw were the bad guys in the streets, and they weren’t really waving at us.”
President George W. Bush spoke to the Council on Foreign Relations early in December about rebuilding Iraq from the ground up.
“Over the course of this war we have learned that winning a battle for Iraqi cities is only the first step,” said the president. “We also have to win the battle after the battle by helping Iraqis consolidate their gains and keep the terrorists from returning. With help from our military and civilian personnel, the Iraqi government can then work with local leaders and residents to begin reconstruction with Iraqis leading the building efforts and our coalition in a supporting role. This approach is working.”
Since November 2004, rebuilding efforts have been implemented. Out of the 532 projects planned, 382 are already completed with a major emphasis on healthcare, security, electricity and education. Hugh Exton, Project and Contracting Office director said before the battle in Fallujah emerged, the city was already in despair. The city recently completed a project that improved the ability to provide electricity service to residents.
“During Saddam’s reign the city of Fallujah was severely neglected much like other cities,” said Exton. “Through partnerships between the United States and Ministry of Electricity in Iraq, we anticipate significant savings will be made, but more importantly, this agreement will put the Ministry in control of project development and implementation. Through partnerships such as these, the successful transition to Iraqi autonomy will take place.”
Access to major medical facilities improved greatly, according to city officials, through joint efforts between city leaders and coalition forces. There are currently three hospitals open in the city and enough funds to construct a 200-bed hospital.
Two police station contracts were awarded and new equipment is being put into service to a nearly fully manned police force. The stations measure 3,312 square meters and will include a dorm area for 100 policemen, offices, holding cell, conference room, kitchenette, as well as two covered courtyards.
There are now 49 schools open in Fallujah. Sixteen schools have been rehabilitated and four new schools with modern amenities are under construction. Coalition forces have exited all schools previously occupied.
“The biggest challenge is not security or political engagement,” said Weston. “It’s reconstruction, it’s rebuilding accountability between the city and Baghdad – not between the city and Americans. One of my biggest concerns is that we’ve become a landscape and the city comes to us for answers and satisfaction when really they need to get to Baghdad. They are used to having a regiment of 4,000 Marines deliver and nobody is better at delivering than the U.S. Marine Corps.”
Weston hopes the city will gradually shift from dependency to independency and seeking accountability where it needs to come from. Although the road to complete restoration is far ahead, the city’s reconstruction phase progresses and coalition forces hope Fallujah will serve as a model city that illustrates the benefits of cooperation with them in Iraq.
Click for more Photos at the bottom of the page
A street vendor sits with his son in Fallujah, Iraq, Dec. 15. The city’s marketplace has returned since Operation Al Fajr ended last year.
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Ronna M. Weyland
Life is better in Iraq. Thanks to the Marines.
"Life is better in Iraq. Thanks to the Marines."
And no thanks to the DNC, MSM and the Hollywood Idiots.
BTTT
Good post
I want neither to diminish the Marine Corps accomplishments in Fallijah, or start an inter-service fracas, but as I recall, the Army was involved in the Battle of Fallujah too.
The Army doesn't have the PR machine that the USMC has.
Funny how when the 82nd was in Fallujah the PX didn't have to rearrange its stock and post "No Shoplifting" signs. That happened during the turnover to the USMC in March-April 2004.
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