Signs of improved security, quality of life witnessed in Baghdad

Multi-National Forces-Iraq ^

[SandRat]

An Iraqi soldier from the 6th Iraqi Army Division assists an Iraqi citizen with a census form as part of Operation Together Forward. The operation is an Iraqi led, combined effort with Coalition forces to secure the city of Baghdad against terrorists activities.

BAGHDAD — Iraqi and Coalition forces this week began witnessing the positive results of their efforts to secure Baghdad and improve quality of life here.

Since Amaliya Ma’an ila Al-Amam or Operation Together Forward began July 9, combined forces have killed 97 and detained 501 terrorists associated with death squads, and seized more than 59 weapons and munitions caches in the process.

A combined force of more than 30,000 security personnel have completed more than 49,564 combat patrols in response to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s directive to immediately secure the Baghdad area.

Additionally, Soldiers from 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team detained two suspected terrorists and seized a large weapons cache during a search of Nur and Ghazalyia Saturday.

The weapons and munitions seized included more than 580 mortar rounds, about 39,000 rounds of small-arms ammunition, more than 100 rocket-propelled grenades, more than 270 rockets, and various other munitions.

Also on the security front, according to Multi-National Corps - Iraq report, the government of Iraq is committed to providing a coherent and integrated security strategy for the Shia Festival of Musa Saturday.

MNC-I officials said the Iraqi government will deploy its security forces to provide safe, guided passage for the pilgrims while providing resources aimed at anticipating and defending against potential terrorist or criminal actions during the ceremony.

The Iraq Ministry of Interior will exercise control over the event in coordination with the Ministry of Defense while liaising closely with clearly organized pilgrim groups, said MNC-I officials.

“Iraqi security forces have developed a detailed plan for security during the observance and have heightened their presence in the region in order to provide a safe atmosphere so that pilgrims can exercise religious freedom.”

According to the MNC-I statement, the Iraqi government is committed to providing the conditions by which religious freedom can be practiced without fear of persecution or attack.

MNC-I officials said the Iraqi government is working toward creating the conditions in which the Iraqi people are free to take part in the 7th Imam pilgrimage. The responsibility for the security and protection of the worshippers falls to the security forces of the government of Iraq, who will be exercising a robust coordination plan for command and control within the area of interest. Coalition forces will only assist if requested by the government of Iraq.

As security in Baghdad continues to show signs of improvement, quality of life also moved forward this week in the capital city with the completion of the Baghdad fire station.

Iraqi Col. Laith, director for the Iraqi Civil Defense Headquarters and Control Center, has overseen the building of the Baghdad Fire Department. While the Soldiers of 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment provided materials and expertise; Laith provided the motivation and the men.

The result is a headquarters much like the American 911 system. Firefighters respond to a number of emergencies, including fires, explosions and terrorists’ attacks. The firefighters also take on extra responsibilities in a combat zone, responding to discoveries of unexploded ordnance.

The fire department building has been renovated, with new living space for firefighters and a well system to maintain water. A pit for unexploded mortars has been built outside the station.

The ICDC will be protecting the residents of Baghdad from both the forces of nature and the forces of terrorism for years to come, said Lt. Col. Kevin Milton, commander, 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment.

In addition to saving houses, these Iraqis provide benefits that are harder to put a price on. Their service has brought confidence, strength and unity to the community, said Namar.

By containing fires that may have otherwise spread across the city, their efforts have prevented millions of dollars in damage. Local citizens, including families whose houses have been saved from destruction are praising the firemen for their courage.

In other developments throughout Iraq:

• Soldiers from 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, detained two suspected terrorists and seized a large weapons cache in a warehouse during a search of Nur and Ghazalyia Friday in support of Operation Together Forward. …more.

• Iraqi army forces conducted precision raids on three separate objectives in Baghdad on Aug. 18 capturing three death squad leaders, all of whom participated in a massacre of Iraqi families in Al Jihad in July. …more .

• The Central Criminal Court of Iraq convicted 27 security detainees Aug. 4 to 10 for various crimes, including possession of illegal weapons, joining armed groups and illegal border crossing. …more.

(Compiled from official DOD sources)

[SandRat]

What's that WashingtonPissed? I can't hear your

[ClaireSolt]

I am glad to see that they are conducting a census. I think the Iranians are gaming the democracy system by sending in people to change the mix in their favor. A census followed by titles to private property are needed here and especially in the middle East.

[pissant]

Shhhh, don't tell the MSM or all the newly minted Quagmire Freepers.

[SandRat]

the newly minted Quagmire Freepers are slowly getting Zotted out as their true allegiance shows through.

[bordergal]

"According to the MNC-I statement, the Iraqi government is committed to providing the conditions by which religious freedom can be practiced without fear of persecution or attack".

Yeah, that's why 300,000 Chaldeans and Assyrians have fled Iraq, because they were able to practice their religion without fear of reprisal.

[TXnMA]

Shhhh, don't tell the MSM or all the newly minted Quagmire Freepers.

And, for sure, don't give them a hint that the Iraqi soldier in the photo is sending them a subtle message... '-}

[TXnMA]

Ooops! meant to copy you on #7...

[pissant]

Uh, how many did Saddam let emigrate? They are fleeing because the CAN now.

[bordergal]

Christians were also more protected under Saddam. Now that he is gone, the target is on all nonmuslims.

[pissant]

Sure they were, unless Uday and Qusay wanted a nice Christian girl for a sex toy:

Saddam Hussein's son Uday feeds Christian woman to dogs--- still alive

"Blood Brothers," at MaximOnline.com, describes how Uday Hussein tried to pick up an attractive young architecture student, Nahle Sabet, at a university. She wouldn't have anything to do with him, so he had his father's security forces kidnap her "for questioning."

“Strip her,” Uday ordered his guards. The burly men pounced on her and ripped at her clothes until she was cowering naked on the floor. Uday towered over her, unrolling his favorite wire cable. “First I will beat you. Then, if you’re good, I’ll allow you to please myself and my men.”

It took Uday and his men almost three months to break Sabet’s spirit. Then Uday tired of her. Her face was ruined; her body was a mass of bruises. He had the guards take her out to the kennels where he kept his attack dogs—Rottweilers, Dobermans, and great danes. He’d told the keepers several days before to stop feeding them.

Nahle Sabet was then smeared with honey and tossed into the kennels, where all evidence of the crime disappeared.

[bordergal]

Then why would they want to flee once Saddam is gone?
Because they are getting MOTS.

[pissant]

Because they CAN