FOB FALCON — As Iraqi security forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers dismounted their vehicles for a security patrol in the Rashid District, a family waited alongside a road in the Risalah neighborhood.
A displaced family, returning from Syria with all of their worldly belongings, sat anxiously on the road in southern Baghdad looking for someone to help them get back to the home they left two years earlier.
On the morning of, Sept. 15, National Policemen (NP) from the 5th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division, saw the family in need and readily assisted.
Upon seeing the dismounted patrol of NPs and MND-B Soldiers, Hatim Muhammed Suod, the father of the family, jumped from the curb and greeted Staff Brig. Gen. Bahaa, commander of the 5th Bde., 2nd NP Div.
The Iraqi man quickly explained his situation and requested assistance.
“We left two years ago when our family was receiving death threats,” Suod explained. “It wasn’t safe here.”
When Bahaa asked if the man was returning to his community as a result of the reduced violence, Suod replied, “Yes, the situation is better here now, and I feel it is safe to bring my family back to our home.”
Bahaa responded quickly, ordering his NPs to bring a truck up to the side of the road and assist the family loading up their belongings.
The assistance provided by the Iraqi NP seemed second nature to them as they helped the Iraqi family load their belongings in the back of their patrol truck.
“We always help returning families when they come to us for help,” said Bahaa. “This helps build trust among the people.”
As Suod moved to load the last of his family’s things into the trucks, the NP opened the door for his wife and sister.
The children quickly followed, and the whole family was on their way back to their own home. They were happy to be returning home and showed their gratitude for the assistance they received with warm smiles and handshakes.
As families return in response to reduced violence and return to normalcy, the resettlement efforts are assisted by local neighborhood councils and support councils in addition to the assistance provided by ISF.
“All of the Iraqi security forces are willing to provide assistance like this,” Bahaa explained, referring to the cooperative relationship the Iraqi National Police have with the Iraqi Army as well as security volunteers. “We have to work together and help these people as one force.”