Dear Interested Reader,
Camp Fallujah signed over to GoI control. Soldiers from the 340th MP Co donate school supplies, clothing and sporting equipment. IA and TF Knight plan combined efforts. The 2nd HBCT hosted an "Arabic Media Roundtable." An incredible story of the rescue of 2 kidnapped victims. Sheiks host a construction project opening celebrating at the Assyrian Ruins. Hundreds graduate from the Iraqi Military Academy. In Afghanistan, Afghan Commandos and CF destroy weapons cache in Ghorak district, while CF maintain pressure on terrorist cell in Ghazni.
Joanna
_______________________
Jan. 13, 2009
Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
Iraqi Police with Soldiers of the 340th bring smiles to students
BAGHDAD - As bags and boxes were rolled into the school courtyard at Al Musqdad Primary School in Baghdad's Karadah district, smiling students peered through the windows of their classrooms to find Al Jadida IP, along with Soldiers of the 340th MP Co, TF 91 MP, 8th MP Bde, Jan. 4.
During the visit, IPs distributed school supplies, clothing and sporting equipment to the children to further develop the positive relationship between the IPs and citizens. All of the items were donated by the Soldiers of the 340th MP Co.
"Our platoon leader came up with this idea in August 2008, so that the Iraqi children would gain trust in their IPs as well as in CF," said Spc. Lauren DeYoung, 340th MP Co. "I told my parents what we were trying to do, so they began collecting stuff in my hometown for about a month. At the same time it gave people back home the opportunity to help these children in any way that they could." DeYoung and 2 other Soldiers, Sgt. Aaron Grechko and Pfc. John Lachioma assisted, reaching out to their hometowns as well.
"The smile on the children's faces is what motivated me to help out," said Grechko. "When I heard about what we were trying to do, I sent out an email to all of my friends. One of my friend's mother's in an org., so to help the cause they too solicited for more assistance and donations from the community." Each bag contained pencils, calculators, notebooks, glue sticks and other supplies.
After all of the bags were distributed, students formed a line and were presented clothes and a game or toy by Mahdy and DeYoung. DeYoung helped Mahdy find clothes to fit each child.
"I am happy to have this and I thank them for these gifts," said Emad, a student at the school. Not only were the children and IPs happy with the results of the outreach, but the Soldiers were moved by what they had been able to provide for their Iraqi friends. "I think that this event went better than we had envisioned it," said Lachioma. "Watching the interactions between the children and the IPs today impacted the next generation and is a positive step towards a new Iraq."
IP Col. Mahdy, Al Jadida Local Police Station cmdr., and Spc. Lauren DeYoung present clothing and games to Al Musqdad Primary School students.
(Army Photos by Staff Sgt. Jessika Malott)
Spc. Lauren DeYoung collected over 125 boxes of school supplies, clothing and sports equipment she donated to the IP for their efforts to improve relationships with their community.
IP Col. Mahdy talks to Al Musqdad Primary School students, before presenting clothing and games.
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MNF-W signs over Camp Fallujah to GoI control
CAMP FALLUJAH - Maj. Gen. Martin W. Post, dep. comm. gen. MNF - West, and Mawafek Al-Kumanji, dir. of real estate, officially signed over Camp Fallujah to GoI control today in a ceremony at the camp.
Camp Fallujah is the latest in a series of bases turned over to Iraq by MNF-West including bases in al-Qaim, Habbaniyah, the Haditha Dam, Ramadi and several smaller COP throughout the Anbar province.
Camp Fallujah was home to nearly 8,000 service members from combat and service support units in February when the Camp Pendleton, Calif. based I Marine Expeditionary Force took charge of al-Anbar.
In addition, MNF-West also removed over 32,000 concrete and dirt barriers, 95,000 metric tons of scrap metal, and 900 containerized housing units - ultimately more than 6,400 tractor trailer loads. The project was completed on January 10.
Maj. Gen. John F. Kelly, MNF-W comm. gen., cases the colors in a ceremony, Nov. 14 signifying the transfer of MNF-West's HQ to Al Asad Air Base. Kelly has ordered camp Fallujah to close and be handed back to the GoI. More than 8,000 Marines from the camp have been relocated throughout the Anbar province.
(Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt Otto Ellerbrock)
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Iraqi, Coalition forces plan combined efforts
BAGHDAD - Iraqi Leaders and TF 1st Bn, 35th Armor Regt, 2nd BCT, 1st Armored Div, attended their first Joint Targeting Meeting at COP Cashe South, southeast of Baghdad, Jan.9.
"The Combined Targeting Meeting helped provide 3-1 Iraqi NP's with insight on how TF Knight develops their independent targeting within the operational environment," said Capt. Joseph Philips, TF 1st Bn. Iraqi SF liaison officer. "The NP actively participated in the combined process, creating an open dialogue between NP leadership and their respective TF partners." The IP partner closely with the unit as Iraqi SF responsibilities grow. The meeting discussed the most recent success, the beginning of joint targeting and marked the beginning of combined targeting efforts.
"This is a historic moment in the partnership between 3-1 NP and TF Knight," said Maj. David Raugh, 1st Bn. EO. "From this point forward, we will share a joint vision toward lethal and non-lethal ops and work together, hand-in-hand, to accomplish our goals."
IP Maj. Gen. Emad, cmdr. and Maj. Dave Raugh, chair the joint targeting meeting at COP Cashe.
(Army photo by Capt. Joe Philips)
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ISF, MND-B Soldiers detain suspected criminals in Baghdad's Rashid district
BAGHDAD - At approx. 6:30 p.m., Jan. 10 in the Saha neighborhood, Iraqi NP partnered with Troop C, 7th Sqdrn, 10th Cav Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, acting on info provided by local Iraqi citizens, arrested a suspected criminal wanted for committing acts of violence, murder, extortion and kidnapping in connection with known terrorist groups operating in Baghdad.
Members of the 7th Bde., 2nd NP Div partnered with Soldiers from HHC, 1st Bn, 505th PIR, attached to the 1st BCT, 4th ID, served a warrant at approx. 3:30 p.m., Jan. 11 for the arrest of a suspected weapons trafficker with alleged ties to criminal orgs. in the Rashid district's Hadar community.
Operating in Rashid's Saydiyah community at approx. 8 p.m., Jan. 11, IA Soldiers partnered with Co B, 1st Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, served the warrants for 2 Iraqis suspected of serving as informants for criminal elements.
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ISF, MND-B Soldiers secure environment for celebration
BAGHDAD -
IA Soldiers along with Soldiers from the 1st CAB, 18th Inf Regt, 2nd HBCT, 1st ID, discuss security concerns during the Ashura celebration in Baghdad's Kadhamiyah district, Jan. 6.
(Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Whelan)
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2nd HBCT hosts Arabic media roundtable
BAGHDAD - Photographers and journalists from numerous media affiliates in Baghdad attended an "Arabic media roundtable" hosted by the 2nd HBCT, 1st ID, at FOB Prosperity, Jan. 11.
The discussion, led by Col. Joseph Martin, cmdr., 2nd HBCT, was to inform the local media of the Dagger Bde's mission in northwest Baghdad, spark the interest of story ideas for the press and answer specific questions the media asked.
"It is very important that the public, who read Iraqi newspapers and watch Iraqi television, are informed on not only the mission of CF, but specifically the mission of the Dagger Bde," said Mohammed Asadi, Arabic media coordinator for the Dagger Brigade. "I think the best way to inform the public is to bring the local media to the brigade and inform them about the mission."
About 30 media reps attended the event at the conference room in the main dining facility on FOB Prosperity. After eating lunch they sat at tables with their eyes on the podium in a press conference style setting. Martin opened up by thanking the group and wanted to ensure that they knew the brigade's primary mission was to work in partnership with the Iraqi SF in securing the people of northwest Baghdad. "There are many stories to tell about the people of northwest Baghdad and our relationship with them," Martin said to the group. "Since our arrival over 2 months ago, we are proud to be a part of what we believe is a historic time for Baghdad and Iraq."
Some of the press members were very interested in what role the Dagger Bde will play on Election Day and how the new security agreement, enacted Jan. 1, will affect the security of the population. "These 2 events are very large milestones for the history of Iraq," said Asadi. "I know that the people are wondering how CF will be involved from now on." Martin told the media present that the Dagger Brigade and ISF are carefully planning the details of patrols and searches to ensure Election Day will be safe.
Martin also mentioned how the ISF and CF have come together to bring displaced people back to their homes after they moved away because of sectarian violence. He emphasized how the people are putting more and more trust in their govt as security improves daily. "We continue to work towards a self-sustaining level of improvement, so there will be nothing that can stop it," said Martin. "Because of that the Iraqi people, the Iraqi govt, and the team that works together to secure them is making news worldwide."
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ICTF rescues hostages, bust kidnapping ring
BAGHDAD - Two kidnapped victims, an 11- and 23-year-old, were reunited with their families, Jan. 7 in Baghdad after Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Forces (ICTF) rescued them, and arrested 12 suspected criminals involved in running a kidnapping ring.
The 11-year old boy was taken Dec. 25 in front of his home while playing with a friend. The 23 year old adult was kidnapped at gun point Dec. 20 while traveling in the city. The victims are not related. The ICTF, a bn from the Iraqi SOF, learned of the child's disappearance when the distraught father phoned, pleading for help. ICTF developed a plan to rescue the boy. Initially, officials had few leads, but worked tirelessly to identify the kidnapping network with alleged financing and money laundering ties to terrorist groups, according to the ISOF bde cmdr.
The kidnappers were attempting to extort $70,000 from the child's family and $55,000 from the man's family claiming they would kill each, if the ransom wasn't paid. ICTF gathered the required evidence to obtain a warrant from the Counter-Terrorism Bureau to execute the search and rescue mission. Over a span of several nights, ICTF searched homes, gathering intel.
On the final night of the op, the eve of Ashura ICTF conducted a 13-hour mission throughout Baghdad that led them to a couple who provided info about the kidnapping ring, and said they would take ICTF to where the victims were being held. Within minutes, ICTF secured the suspected residence and captured the kidnappers. The 11- and 23-year-old victims were found chained and blindfolded in a back room. According to the adult victim, he endured "harsh beatings for many days" while being held in captivity.
The boy's father spoke to the Soldiers following the op and said he could never fully thank them for their service. "For 13 days I had no hope ... and you always promised me you would get him back," he said to the crowd. "Each of you is so brave, so ethical ... with every mission you're trying to make Iraq better." The ICTF officer who initially promised the father that he would return his son, later commented that he would gladly give his life for three causes: For his family; for the men in his unit; and to see an Iraqi child smile ... because they are the future of this country. That same ICTF officer carried the 11-year-old boy in his arms from the kidnapper's home and delivered him safely to his father's arms.
Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Forces carry an 11-year-old boy out of the home in which he was imprisoned.
Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Forces cut the chains that shackled a 23-year-old kidnap victim.
An 11-year-old kidnapping victim emotionally embraces his father after ICTF successfully conducted a hostage rescue mission.
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Future Celebrated at Historical Ruins
(By Spc. Cynthia Teears)
Spc. Hector Guzman takes in the Assyrian Ruins during the project’s opening celebration, Jan. 4, 2009.
NINEWA PROVINCE — Sheik Khalid of Jobury and Sheik Ali of Albayati recently hosted a construction project opening celebration at the Assyrian Ruins. Leaders from the military, police, construction co., and surrounding towns were invited to celebrate and discuss issues concerning the new project with the Green Dream Contract Co., said Lt. Col. Chris Johnson, cmdr., 1st Bn, 8th Inf Regt.
“The company is bringing in a new project to pave the roads and train Iraqi student workers. The training consists of 2 to 3 months in the classroom and 3 months of on-the-job training,” said Mohammed, an info technologist, Green Dream Contract Company. “The company has Iraqi counterparts here to head up and manage it.”
The students will learn road construction and repair, how to best use water for agriculture, and how to plan and construct canals. There are 184 students slated for the program and the program is expected to expand in the future, said Mohammed.
Many people attended the celebration and some participated in Kurdish dance traditions, while others mingled. Food was prepared and served buffet style and made available to all. After eating and serving a second round of chi, the leaders gathered together and were given a tour of the ruins.
“There are ruins here,” said Sheik Ali of Albayati. “The Griffin’s are at the gate of the palace and have been here even before the time of Assyria.” While talking about the ruins, leaders exchanged smiles and were able to get to know each other better in a more relaxed setting. “The history here; it’s so amazing,” said Johnson. “We only have a couple hundred years of history, but the history here goes so far back.”
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Multi National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Hundreds Graduate Iraqi Military Academy
BAGHDAD — The Basic Officers Commissioning Course at Ar Rustamiyah Military Academy graduated 241 IA and 134 Iraqi AF cadets, Jan 12.
The 12-month commissioning course paid special attention to leadership and ethics training, while instilling the values and standards required of the future leaders of the Iraqi military. Additionally, the course syllabus covered tactics, weapons training, physical fitness, first aid, current affairs and geography. Along with those completing the 12-month curriculum, cadets holding university degrees graduated after completing 6 months of intensive training.
Lt. Gen. al-Furayji, senior advisor to the Minister of Defense, and Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, cmdr. of Multi National Security Transition Command – Iraq and NATO Training Mission – Iraq, presided over the ceremony.
The next Basic Officers Course starts in March, and in light of lessons learned from the current curriculum, will be 9 months in duration, and specifically designed for officer cadets who hold university degrees.
The Iraqi Military Academy of Ar Rustamiyah, or IMAR, was founded in 1924 by British forces. The academy, based on the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, England, graduated its first class of Iraqi officers in 1927.
NATO Training Mission – Iraq has supported IMAR since 2005. During the past 3 years, more than 2,000 officer cadets have graduated from the academy.
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U.S. Forces - Afghanistan
Afghan Commandos, CF destroy weapons cache in Ghorak district
KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan Commandos and CF conducted an air assault op in Ghorak district, Kandahar province, to search for IED cells, Dec. 27.
A search of the village yielded a weapons and supply cache. The weapons cache contained an anti-personnel mine, 2 anti-tank mines, and a bowl of unidentified powder presumed to be IED making material. The combination forces safeguarded 320 civilians before beginning their search.
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U.S. Forces - Afghanistan
CF maintain pressure on terrorist cell in Ghazni
KABUL, Afghanistan – CF killed 2 armed Taliban militants while targeting the network’s kidnapping and roadside bombing ops in Ghazni province, Dec. 28.
In Gailan District, approx. 200 km NE of Kandahar, CF targeted a Taliban militant known to coordinate and carry out the kidnappings of Afghan officials and westerners to finance their criminal activities. Additionally, the targeted Taliban militant is assessed to facilitate and direct roadside bombings along Highway One in Ghazni and Zabul provinces.
During the op, CF called for all individuals inside to exit the building peacefully. Disregarding these instructions, the 2 militants engaged the force with small-arms fire. In order to neutralize the threat, CF engaged the militants inside with hand grenades and killed them.
A search of the building following the op revealed multiple AK-47s.
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