CAMP TAJI — Coalition forces transitioned control of Joint Security Station Salmiyat, northwest of Baghdad, to the Iraqi Ministry of Transportation (MoT) during a ceremony, Feb. 5.
JSS Salmyiat once housed a rail and rail car production facility, which are now idle. However, the MoT has big plans for the station.
“This is a great day for Iraq,” said A’mir Abdl Al-Jabbar Ismael, Iraqi deputy Minister of Transportation. “One of the most modern facilities to produce rail ties in the Middle East will bring many jobs to the Iraqi people. The production facility will also produce sleeper cars that will transport the Iraqi people on the ‘backbone of transportation’ in Iraq.”
The Security Agreement between the Government of Iraq and the United States is a milestone for this country.
“Today marks an important and visible milestone in application of the security agreement,” said Col. Todd McCaffrey, commander, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. “In passing control of this JSS to sole Iraqi control, we see a small but very important application of the agreement.”
McCaffrey reiterated that the Coalition will continue to be part of the sustained security that facilitated the security agreement.
“Our brigade has forged deep and lasting relationships with the people of Salmiyat and Agur Quf, and while we depart this JSS, we will remain partnered to assure continued security throughout this critical area,” McCaffrey said.
(By Maj. Allen Hing, 2nd Stryker Brigade)