Dear Interested Reader,
Success and progress are the stories of the day. Summer youth programs will help teens earn self-respect, which isn't a bad idea for our own youths. IA assumes control of Patrol Base Lutifiyah. The Radwaniyah IP station has its grand opening ceremony. Our UK partners take great pride in their accomplishments in Basra. Special Groups and other criminals detained, as well as a large weapons and munitions cache seized.
Joanna
______________________________
August 15, 2008
Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
Summer youth program provides positive influence for teens
BAGHDAD - Youths from Taji teamed up Aug. 11 as part of a summer youth hire program to clean up the Taji Market, northwest of Baghdad.
The youth program was kicked off by the ePRT, 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, MND - Baghdad to give adolescents an appreciation for their community and engage them in a good cause rather than leave them to outside influences. The teens work from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. sweeping roads, gathering garbage, participating in teamwork building workshops, planting trees, painting and other renovation projects. They are paid $300 monthly, which helps the families who are in financial need.
In the recent months, there have been reports of AQI trying to recruit children. "This program was implemented as a means to keep these kids busy and out of trouble as well as give them a sense of citizenship and teach them about the importance of why they need to keep their environment clean," Cho said. "I think the parents love it because all the kids are actually out doing something together, working toward community goals and leaving their differences aside forming a good community."
Cho also explained the program is not exclusive to Taji but also extends to Tarmiyah, northwest of Baghdad, and Abu Ghuraib, west of Baghdad. The program targets youths ranging from ages 14-19. "I would like to see this as a success story and implemented throughout Iraq in future years to come," Cho said.
Capt. Timothy Cho (right), who serves with the 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, MND - Baghdad's ePRT, along with Rudy (left), bilingual bicultural advisor, stands with Taji youth at the Taji Market.
(Army photo by Sgt. Whitney Houston)
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IA receives recognition, assumes control of Patrol Base Lutifiyah
BAGHDAD - August 12 - "Today is a very special day," said Iraqi Col. Al Muhsin, cmdr. "This taking of responsibility in Lutifiyah shows that the IA is ready to protect, that the IA is ready to fight, and that the IA is ready to take control completely away from the enemy."
The IA and CF have been working side by side since the Iraqi rebuilding process began in 2005. The IA previously held more of a support role, but is now easing into the lead security element. "We celebrate the taking over of security because 4 years ago, this area suffered from collapse and was called a ghost city," said Staff Maj. Gen. Al Frejee, 17th IA Div. cmdr. "Most families here lost family members, but from support of the Coalition, we switched this area to become very secure."
In just under a year, the area has seen nearly a 90% decrease in terrorist activity, ranging from attacks to roadside IEDs. A total of 18 patrol bases within the MND - Center battle space will transfer responsibility to the IA by the end of this year. The competence and capability of the 17th IA Div. enables CF to rely on IA soldiers to take the lead on security in the area.
"Aug. 8 was our last day on the patrol base," said Capt. Manuel Gonzalez, a btry cmdr from the 3rd Bn, 320th FAR, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (AASLT). "This is one of the most prepared bns in the 17th IA Div.; they are ready to take over."
"Remember sacrifice today as today is a day of celebration... We celebrate the bravery and hard work of these men," said Lt. Col. William Zemp, cmdr of 3-320th FAR). "You have fought to free the people of this area from fear and intimidation; now (the IA) stands strong to protect from the corrupt and the criminal."
A combined color guard of soldiers from the IA and 3rd Bn, 320th FAR presents the Iraqi and U.S. colors.
(Army Photo by Pfc. Christopher McKenna)
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MND-B, ISF leaders gather for Radwaniyah IP station grand opening
BAGHDAD - Aug. 12, at the grand opening of the Radawaniyah Police Station, during a ceremony in the Rashid district, IP working with Police Forces Command al-Karkh and Iraq's Ministry of Interior, officially recognized the opening as a new security landmark for Iraqis in southwestern Baghdad.
Brig. Gen. Kadhim, cmdr. of the IP Rashid District HQ, in his speech at the commemoration of the station, said the Iraqi people must stay aware and protect Baghdad by denying sectarianism.
The official opening of the Radwaniyah IP Station signifies improved security in the area that is part of southwest Rashid, said Lt. Col. Johnnie Johnson, cmdr. of the 4th Bn, 64th AR, attached to the 1st BCT, 4th ID. As security ops in Radwaniyah transition to the control of Iraqi SF in Radwaniyah, the 4th Bn will be able to focus on other priorities, such as economics and governance, said Johnson. "The Iraqis now have a local police force to protect the people and handle the routine activities and business related to security here in Radwaniyah," Johnson said. "That is a very, very big achievement."
The police station has nearly 100% of its manning, comprised of people from Radwaniyah and from greater Baghdad, said Col. Ted Martin, cmdr. of the 1st BCT, 4th ID. Martin also noted that in the last 90 days, the Radwaniyah community has experienced almost no enemy activity due to the Iraqi people working alongside the Iraqi Security and CF.
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MND-SE conducts transfer of authority
BASRA - Maj. Gen. Andy Salmon OBE assumed command of MND - South East from Maj. Gen. Barney White-Spunner CBE during a ceremony in Basra, Aug. 12.
Salmon's HQ, Royal Navy UK Amphibious Force staff also replaced White-Spunner's 3 (UK) Division staff.
The ceremony was attended by Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, Multi National Corps - Iraq comm. gen., Maj. Gen. Mohammed, cmdr. of the IA in Basra and other local dignitaries.
"General Barney and his HQ have performed superbly," Austin said. "Within a week of their arrival, the GoI launched the Charge of the Knights Op to restore the rule of law here in Basra."
"Let me thank the leaders and the people of Basra," White-Spunner said. "Basra now stands poised to be the economic miracle of the Gulf. With the SF providing security it will soon rival Dubai or Bahrain."
Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, presents an award to Maj. Gen. Barney White-Spunner CBE in appreciation of his accomplishments.
(Royal Navy photo by Leading Photographer Jan Hartmann)
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IA detains four suspects in relation to SAF attack
BAGHDAD - IA soldiers detained 4 Iraqi citizens suspected of attacking a MND - Baghdad Police Training and Transition Team, Aug. 13 in the Shurta community of the Rashid district in southern Baghdad.
At approx. 7 a.m., Rashid District IP detained the suspects for questioning, acting in response to a small-arms fire attack on the 463rd PTT Team, attached to the 18th MP Bde.
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MND-B Soldiers detain Special Groups criminal
BAGHDAD - MND - Baghdad Soldiers conducted an intel-driven search op at approx. 11:45 a.m., Aug. 12 and detained a suspected Special Groups criminal in the Abu T'shir community of southern Baghdad.
Soldiers from Troop C, 7th Sqdrn, 10th Cav Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, moved to the subject's business and detained the alleged criminal wanted for illegal weapons trafficking.
"The 7th Sqdrn is an excellent unit," said Maj. Dave Olson, spokesperson for the 1st BCT, 4th ID. "We continue to take criminals off the streets to provide a safer and more secure environment for the Iraqi citizens."
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Iraqi Security Forces arrest 29 in southern Iraq
BALAD - Aug. 11, Iraqi SF detained the individuals in the village of al-Isla, approx. 20 km northwest of Basrah. The suspects are believed to have conducted rocket attacks against CF and assassinated members of the local population in January 2008.
The village of al-Isla is reportedly a Special Groups weapons smuggling and logistics supply hub. There are indications that much of the smuggling from Iran into Maysan and Basrah Province flows through al-Isla before going to central Iraq.
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IA soldiers seize weapons cache in Sadr City
BAGHDAD - Aug. 12, IA found the cache consisting of 3 Iranian-made 81 mm mortars, 4 Iranian-made 60 mm mortars, a Chinese-made 82 mm mortar, 12 60 mm Chinese-made mortars, 5 Yugoslavian-made 60 mm mortars, 2 40 mm grenades, 2 85 mm rockets, a 40 mm pyrotechnic trip-flares simulator, 4 grenades, 3 rocket propellants, a 2-inch mortar, 58 Chinese fuses, 5 pounds of UBE improvised claymore explosive material, 100 non-electric blasting caps, 2 pounds of bulk explosive material, a one-quarter pound block of explosive material, 50 feet of detonation cord, a 5 pound bag of propellant, 4 PKC machine gun barrels, 2000 7.62 54 mm belted ammo, 40 shotgun rounds and 4r hand-held radios.
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