Posted on 04/25/2006 4:53:29 PM PDT by SandRat
BAGHDAD, Iraq (April 25, 2006) – Iraqi Security Forces this week again demonstrated an increased role in the security of this country as they continue to assume more responsibility, build capabilities and foster trust within Iraqi communities.
During a transfer of authority ceremony April 24 at Forward Operating Base Hotel, the Iraqi Army’s 1st Brigade, 8th Division, assumed security responsibility for nearly 11,583-square-mile area of the An Najaf Province.
Col. Saadi Saleh Muhsin of 1st Brigade and Col. Majeed Muhammed Hannoon of 2nd Brigade each assumed responsibility for a battalion sized area of operations as witnessed by Najaf Governor Assad Sultan Al-Taee. Maj. Gen. Othman Ali Farhod, commander of the 8th Iraqi Army Division signed a memorandum of understanding with the Najaf Governor, pledging to work together for peace and stability in region.
“We have seen the 1st Brigade show their mettle and courage by their actions in securing the Arba’een commemoration,” said Col. John Tully, commander of 4th Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team. “The soldiers of this Brigade willingly risk their lives on a daily basis to support the newly elected Government of Iraq.”
As Iraqi Security Forces demonstrate their capabilities through operations and training they continue to take the lead in Iraq. Seven Iraqi Army Brigades have already taken the lead in their areas and 4 additional IA Battalions are preparing to assume the lead in their areas of operation in the next two months.
At FOB Kalsu April 16, a local citizen called the TIPS hotline to inform Mahawil policemen that a roadside bomb was placed on the road between Hillah and Mahawil.
“If more people had the courage of this local hero and told us about these dangerous bombs, then we would be able to save many lives,” said Lt. Col. Hazem, Mahawil Iraqi Police chief.
Iraqi police from Mahawil moved to the location and discovered two artillery rounds configured into a bomb. A Motorola radio was set to trigger a 155 mm round and a 120 mm round. The Babil police explosive ordnance disposal team dismantled the bomb and transported the items back to the Babil station.
“This is a big blow to the terrorists,” added Capt. Brian McCarthy, commander, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “If we can quell the people’s fear of the terrorists, and let the ISF know when they see these cowards and roadside bombs, then the Iraqis will win the war on terror.”
In another effort to build trust and enhance local governance of Iraqi security forces, Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, has started construction on a police station in Baghdad’s Al-Rasheed district.
“This is a major step for both the government and the Soldiers because now there will be a continued presence in the city, which was impossible before,” said 1st Lt. James Williams, project officer, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
The lieutenant said the presence of Iraqi Police will ensure a safer environment for the 50,000 local Iraqis who live in the area and help gain the trust in their new government.
“This will be one small step towards the ultimate end state of turning control over to the Iraqi government,” added Maj. Eric McFadden, project manager, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
Neutralizing the enemy
Also this week, the continuing effort to neutralize insurgent and terrorist actions bore results as several large weapon caches were discovered and about a dozen Iraqi men and one woman were detained on suspicion of terrorist activity.
On April 20, Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, found a weapon cache in a New Baghdad neighborhood. The cache consisted of eighty-one 75 mm projectiles, 43 grenades, three 82mm illumination rounds, one 85 mm projectile, two 90mm high-explosive rounds and four 100 mm heat projectiles.
During an April 22 search of two houses in the southwestern suburbs of Baghdad, Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, uncovered two additional weapon caches.
In the first house, the cache consisted of two 55-gallon drums of home-made explosives, two pressure plates, one artillery shell, a home-made rocket launcher, two pipes filled with high-explosive material, a seven-foot missile, a 14.5 mm Dishka heavy artillery machine gun and six anti-tank mines.
In the second house, another cache was found, consisting of eight shape charges, a sniper rifle, five pressure plates, three rocket-propelled grenades, an acetylene tank, and two grenades taped to a window. Soldiers also found a note asking other terrorists for help to attack a local Coalition Forces operating base.
In all three weapon cache discoveries, explosive ordnance disposal teams destroyed the ordnance at the site.
Making progress
;)
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