Posted on 06/11/2009 5:47:06 PM PDT by SandRat
BAGHDAD — As the June 30 deadline for U.S. Soldiers to be out of Iraqi cities draws near, U.S. forces under Multi-National Division - Baghdad handed over Joint Security Station (JSS) Hurriyah II to Iraqi Security Forces, June 9.
"This is yet another step the sovereign state of Iraq has taken to provide for the security of the people of Baghdad and the progress that has been achieved together with the Iraqi Security Forces," said Col. Joseph Martin, commander, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team. "Iraq is now enjoying irreversible momentum toward a peaceful and prosperous future."
Since October, elements of the 1st Combined Arms Battalion (CAB) lived and worked with the Iraqi Soldiers in a joint effort to help secure the population of Kadamiyah's Hurriyah neighborhood.
As the security in Iraq improved, the two governments decided it was time for the ISF to take more responsibility.
"The Security Agreement set up clear guidelines for the Coalition forces in Iraq and in concert with Iraqi Security Force partners, we will ensure that the future remains stable," said Martin. "The security situation in Hurriyah is the best that it has been in three years. That is due to the competence, confidence and professionalism of the Iraqi Army and all of the ISF who patrol the neighborhoods."
Martin added that along with security gains, there are substantial infrastructure improvements and a better standard of living then several years ago.
The transfer of JSS Hurriyah I last week by the 1st CAB Soldiers also demonstrated the U.S. commitment to returning Baghdad to its citizens.
"Right now Hurriyah is living in peace and security," said Maj. Hussein Adhab Salman al-Qiussey, commander, 1st Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. "We do have stability even though over the years we have seen some violence."
Qiussey said that they do not want to lose any momentum and his Soldiers will step up to the task ahead of them.
"This represents a huge responsibility and we wanted to step up to it,” Qiussey said. “I ask all of the local leaders in Hurriyah to assist with the progress of receiving Hurriyah II. This will be a good opportunity for the ISF and the Iraqi Army; The IA will be patrolling the streets."
With Martin and a representative of the Iraqi Prime Minister's office signing the official paperwork, the transfer became legitimate.
"This is an historic time for Hurriyah," said Martin. "I salute the diligence of local leaders who support continued transition toward a future of safety, security and confidence provided by the ISF to the people of Hurriyah."
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