BAGHDAD — Sheiks, local government officials and Iraqi Security Forces from the Tarmiyah area banded together to publicly reaffirm their stance against al-Qaida in Iraq at the Bukhari Hall in Tarmiyah, Aug. 14.
The reaffirmation was a reaction to a recent attack by AQI forces in the area that killed five people, to include women, children and a Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier.
“Al-Qaida has tried to terrorize the population and make them cower with these attacks invoking their grip of fear on them,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Boccardi, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. “Tragedy results in two types of responses: it either galvanizes people, or it makes them cower. This attack had a galvanizing effect.”
The attack failed to invoke fear as hoped and instead created a very strong resentment against the terrorists, furthering the determination of the local residents to rid Tarmiyah of these elements.
“The people of Tarmiyah, after four years of torture, kidnappings and public slaughters, just really want to live out their lives in peace,” said Otu, an Arabic interpreter for Coaliton forces. “They can’t tolerate terrorist activity anymore and face the risk of publicly condemning al-Qaida.”
Those attending said the public denunciation of the cowardly terrorist attacks would send a clear message that Tarmiyah and other regions throughout the nation are fed up with the killing of their loved ones.
“This oath will show the media savvy al-Qieda operatives a crystal clear picture that there is no terrorist sanctuary in Tarmiyah, and the people will not bend to terrorists any longer,” said Boccardi. “The significance of this event was the reaffirmation of the locals to stand up against terrorism. Senior leaders of tribes, local governments and Iraqi security forces all stood up and said: ‘We will not fear, and we’ll stand up against al-Qaida.’”
A recent AQI attack against Coalition forces was so significant in unifying local nationals with Coalition forces, said Boccardi, that those killed were honored as martyrs in “the good fight.” Among those so honored for their sacrifices was Sgt. Kenneth Gibson.
The local populace’s desire to stand against AQI didn’t just occur over night. Initially, Tarmiyah residents were extremely reluctant to accept the Coalition forces presence in the area. They viewed the MND-B Soldiers as an “occupying force” with intent to “westernize” their country. As a result, they were more apt to support the insurgency and terrorists.
“It took some time to remove the stigma of our presence,” said Boccardi, “We had to [win] the hearts and minds of the people and help them understand that their “muqawama” [the good fight, or resistance] was fighting against terrorism as opposed to fighting Coalition forces.”
The attack reinforced the conclusion to the Tarmiyah citizens that the Coalition forces were there to assist and help stabilize. It further proved to be a testament of the joint sacrifices shared by local nationals and Coalition forces, explained Capt. Calvin Kline, fusion cell officer.
The message put out by the leaders of Tarmiyah is a lasting one in that it was broadcast nationwide so their fellow countrymen could bear witness to their stand against the terrorists.