Mohammed Maroof Hussein, the Balad Ruz mayor, and Col. Farris, the Balad Ruz director of police discuss essential services and security with Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander and senior U.S. Army officer in the Diyala province, during a meeting at Kirkush Military Training Base, Saturday. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR# 03107-01
March 10, 2007

BALAD RUZ, Iraq – The Balad Ruz mayor and director of police met with the commander of the 5th Iraqi Army Division and the senior Coalition Forces commander, Saturday, to discuss services and security for the people throughout the region.

Mohammed Maroof Hussein, the Balad Ruz mayor, and Col. Farris, the Balad Ruz director of police, spoke with Maj. Gen. Shakur Hulail Husayn, the 5th IA Division commander, and Col. David W. Sutherland, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander, to determine solutions for the fuel, food, and essential services in Balad Ruz.

The mayor, when speaking of his three concerns, said he realizes the issues are interrelated and affect the entire city.

“The mayor asked for this meeting with the Iraqi security leadership to address the concerns of the people,” said Sutherland. “He is fighting for them to express the reality of the situation. This is democracy at work and shows the trust the people have in the Iraqi Security Forces. The Coalition Forces will surely support the ISF in their efforts.”

While the mayor was concerned about food, fuel and essential services, he did say security has greatly improved in the area since the IA and CF defeated the terrorists south of Balad Ruz.

“My goal is to help with security first, then services,” said Mohammed, who said he continues to work with the government and CF to solve the problems his people face.
Although there have been a number of attacks recently, to include the suicide bomber who killed 28 citizens and wounded an additional 31, the mayor said, “There is little you could do to stop a suicide bomber,” and is still pleased with the security in the area.

The meeting is significant because it shows the local government and security forces working for their people to bring a more stable and secure environment.

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 3BCT, Balad Ruz, Diyala Province, Good News, Iraq, Kirkush Military Training Base, Operation Iraqi Freedom, photos