Dear Interested Reader,
A soon to open Reintegration Facility will contribute to Iraq's security and economy. It's good to see pride on the faces of Iraqis as they rebuild their country. Kata'ib Hezbollah terrorists captured, as well as AQI, and other criminals. Weapons caches and munitions throughout Baghdad seized.
Joanna
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Aug. 26, 2008
Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
Reintegration Facility Contributes to Iraq’s Security, Economy
By Kendal Smith
Security lights are prepared for placement in the Modular Detainee Housing Unit area of the Theater Internment Facility and Reconciliation Center.
BAGHDAD — “The Theater Internment Facility Reconciliation Center (TIFRC) in Taji has been constructed to integrate detention with reintegration programs,” said Lt. Col. Ronald Pieri, Task Force 134 Engr. “The overall goal of the TIFRC is to reintegrate detainees with basic education and trade skills, such that they can contribute to a peaceful and secure Iraq.”
TF-134 is the organization in charge of detainee ops in Iraq. The U.S. Army Corps of Engrs project to build the TIFRC is close to being finished, with a completion date of Nov. 30, 2008.
The facility has 2 distinct parts, explained Michael Vantzelfden, a project mgr. for Gulf Region Div. On one side of the facility, detainees are housed in a secure environment in 13 dormitory-style buildings. On the other side, they are educated and trained; “reconciled” for reintegration into Iraqi society. Arabic, English, math and other basic courses are taught in 11 classrooms of varying sizes built to accommodate the resident population of the facility.
Importantly, detainees are also taught vocational skills for reintegration into Iraqi society and future employment. Three vocational-technical facilities are the largest structures at the center. One textile manufacturing mill, and a brick factory with a production capacity of 12 million bricks per year highlight the training opportunities. Support facilities include a 20,000 square foot medical facility for use by everyone at the Center.
Besides education and training, there are judges’ chambers and parole areas with a family visitation center incorporating a family embracing area to assist with the reconciliation and reintegration efforts.
“To rebuild people means contributing a very critical part of rebuilding the country,” said Lt. Cmdr. Paul Chan, who is overseeing the construction. “That is exactly what the TIFRC is designed and constructed to do. It plays an essential role in the reconciliation of useful citizens for a stronger Iraq.”
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NP confiscate weapons caches in southwestern Baghdad
FOB FALCON - Iraqi SF, working with MND - Baghdad Soldiers discovered 2 weapons caches, Aug. 25 in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad, consisting of 39 60 mm mortar rounds, 3 RPGs, a 57 mm rocket, 3 soda-can roadside bombs, two electrical blasting caps and two timers.
"The Iraqi SF, working with CF in Baghdad, contributed immensely to the Rashid district's decrease in the levels of violence," said Maj. Dave Olson, 1st BCT Spokesman, 4th ID. "The Iraqi citizens consistently help both the ISF and Soldiers of the 1st 'Raider' Bde in providing a safe and secure environment by furnishing tips on enemy activity and weapons caches."
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IA soldiers detained five suspects following IED strike
FOB FALCON - Aug. 25, IA Soldiers detained the 5 Iraqis, who were found at the origin of a command detonated IED, at approx. 11:45 p.m. in the Saydiyah community of southern Baghdad's Rashid district.
The unit reported no casualties in connection with the attack, and IA soldiers responded to help Soldiers of the 1st BCT, 4th ID, secure the site.
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MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches throughout Baghdad
BAGHDAD - Aug. 25, based on info from a SoI leader, Soldiers with the 1st CAB, 68th AR, 3rd Bn, 4th ID, removed 36 grenade fuses in the Adhamiyah area of Baghdad at approx. 11 a.m.
Later at approx. 4 p.m., Soldiers with Co A, 1st Bn, 75th Cav Regt, 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div (AASLT) found 6 120 mm mortar rounds, a 60 mm mortar round, a 125 mm high explosive round, and an 82 mm mortar base plate in the Kadamiyah area of Baghdad.
While on patrol at approx. 11 p.m., Soldiers serving Co B, 153rd Inf Bn, Task Force Tomahawk, MND-B, found 9 125 mm high explosive projectiles in the al-Rashid district.
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MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq
Two Kata’ib Hezbollah suspects captured in Rusafa (Baghdad)
BAGHDAD – CF captured 2 suspected Kata’ib Hezbollah associates during ops, August 26 in Baghdad. Acting on intel tips, CF targeted a propaganda facilitator for Kata’ib Hezbollah. It is believed his involvement in the Kata’ib Hezbollah media ops involved editing and posting of attack videos against Coalition and Iraqi forces.
CF stopped a vehicle and after questioning the occupants, it was determined the driver of the vehicle was the wanted man. He and one other suspect were detained without incident.
This capture marks the 14th suspected Kata’ib Hezbollah criminal CF have captured in 3 weeks. Kata’ib Hezbollah is believed to receive support from Iran in the way of funding, logistics, and weapons such as improvised rocket assisted mortars.
“Kata’ib Hezbollah are criminals and enemies of the Iraqi people and will be dealt with accordingly,” said Maj. John C. Hall, MNF-I spokesman.
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MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq
Al-Qaeda bombing cells, foreign terrorist network disrupted (Mosul, Sharqat)
BAGHDAD – CF detained a wanted man during a raid August 25 west of Sharqat, about 90 km south of Mosul. The man is believed to help foreign terrorists move into and around Iraq to conduct attacks for AQI. A Tuesday op farther south in Bayji targeting the same network netted 2 suspects.
Using information from an operation Aug. 16, Coalition forces Tuesday captured a suspected associate of AQI senior leaders during an operation in Mosul. The man is also believed to help foreign terrorists move into Iraq to conduct attacks for AQI. Another man captured Tuesday in Mosul allegedly transported suicide bombing recruits from the Iraq-Syria border to Mosul for future attacks. He is also believed to be a liaison for AQI senior leaders who, according to recent detainee reporting, are having difficulty moving freely in the city.
Just south of Mosul, CF captured a man August 26 who reportedly plans attacks in the Hamim al-Alil area.
In Baghdad August 26, CF disrupted plans for an imminent bombing attack when they captured a wanted man reportedly working for a car-bombing cell in the city.
CF continued to target members of an AQI bombing network that operates in the Tigris River Valley and detained a suspect August 25 in Tikrit. The suspect allegedly supplies trigger devices to bombing cells in the area, which attack civilians and the SF who protect them.
“Continued pressure on al-Qaeda in Iraq is making it difficult for them to operate,” said Maj. John C. Hall, MNF-I spokesman.
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His face glowing with pride, as he installs his ceramic tile throughout a small medical clinic in his community. (Sorry, but the story was deleted.)