Improved Security Leads to Closing of Joint Security Station Yarmouk

Multi-National Force - Iraq ^ | Sgt. Dustin Roberts, USA

[SandRat]

1st Lt. Joshua Jones salutes during the playing of the Iraqi national anthem at the closure ceremony of Joint Security Station Yarmouk in northwest Baghdad, May 16. The JSS is no longer needed due to the improved security in the area. Photo by Sgt. Dustin Roberts, 1st Infantry Division.

BAGHDAD — The Government of Iraq (GoI) and U.S. Soldiers shut down Joint Security Station (JSS) Yarmouk in a closure ceremony in northwest Baghdad, May 16. The land was returned to the man who graciously lent it out to serve as part of the JSS for the past several months.

In accordance with the signed security agreement between the GoI and Coalition forces, JSS Yarmouk will no longer be used due to the increased and stable security in the neighborhood.

Duraid Kassim Malik let the partnered Soldiers eat, sleep and operate from his home, also allowing concrete barriers to be placed around the perimeter.

"Duraid is an example of someone who has made a great sacrifice for his neighborhood like so many Iraqis who have given up their homes to allow a joint Coalition and Iraqi Security Force element to stay in their homes and use them as bases," said Lt. Col. John Richardson, commander, 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment. "This closure could only be done because of the successful security operations conducted primarily by the Iraqi Security Forces."

The continued partnership in security gains throughout northwest Baghdad have allowed many JSS's to be closed.

"The base closure signifies a new chapter in the security of Yarmouk and Baghdad. The progress in Iraq is happening at an astonishing rate," said 1st Lt. Dontae Payne, 5th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt. "As hospitals, schools and stores are built in Baghdad, potential and opportunity are endless. The Iraqi Security Forces are committed to protecting these assets in helping to maintain the people's faith in their government."

Richardson said those who lent their homes to be a part of the JSS will get them back in the same condition as before or will be compensated for damages and the barriers will be completely removed within the week.

"I want to say thank you to all the families in Iraq who have given up their homes in support of the security of their neighborhoods," he said. "We are celebrating this landmark step forward in returning Iraq to normalcy."

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Our brave troops have done their job.

Now it’s up to the Iraqi people.

I wish them well.

[SandRat]

As do I