By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, May 19, 2008 – More normalcy returns to northern Iraq every day, even as Iraqi and coalition forces continue to hunt down extremist groups, a senior military official said May 16.

Many areas in the region -- which stretches from Baghdad to Iraq’s border with Syria and Turkey -- continue to show signs of a return to normal life for the people who live there, Army Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, who commands Multinational Division North and the Army’s 1st Armored Division, told online journalists and “bloggers” in a conference call.

In Iraq’s Diyala province, for example, very little enemy activity has been going on for more than 45 days, the general said. “I think that is a direct result of our continued pursuit operations in some of the outer boundaries in the main areas of that province,” the general explained.

Al-Qaida in Iraq is the main enemy in Diyala province, Hertling said, while in Kirkuk and Salahuddin provinces, Iraqi and coalition forces are pursuing a variety of enemies -- not only al-Qaida in Iraq, but also Ansar al-Sunnah and other extremist groups.

Hertling noted the region’s diverse population in explaining the challenges his soldiers face in their area of operations.

“In northern Iraq, we have 136 different tribes that we have counted. We have seven different religions, … and three different sects of Shiia, Kurds and Sunnis, plus we have Turkomans and the mix of Turkoman Shiia, Turkoman Sunni and Turkoman Kurd,” he said. “It is a very diverse cultural mix up here in the north, very different [from] Anbar, which is the Sunni heartland, with one tribal base down there.”

The Iraqi government has shifted its efforts in Minaya province, the general said. “We’ve continued to prepare with our Iraqi security partner counterparts, … specifically [in] the city of Mosul, and since the 10th of May there’s been an operation led by the Iraqis, supported by our forces, called Operation Lion’s Roar,” he said.

Hertling added that he and his Iraqi partner, Lt. Gen. Riyadh Jalal Tawfiq, commander of Ninewah Operations Command, began preparing for this operation in February.

“They rounded up about 800 targeted individuals. There have been a lot of [weapons] cache finds; the significant activities in Mosul have been significantly reduced,” Hertling said. He described some of those captured in Mosul as “Tier 1” al-Qaida in Iraq leaders.

Hertling said he’s encouraged by the successes in Mosul and the degree to which the credit belongs to Iraq’s own troops. “The Iraqi security forces are doing independent operations, and we’re supporting them,” he said, noting that their knowledge of the area and its people are a key element in their success. Having seen the earliest days of today’s Iraqi military, Hertling said, he’s impressed by how far they’ve come.

“The capability of the Iraqi army, especially since the last time I was here, since 2003-2004 when they were first standing up, has been significantly improved,” he said. “They are gradually improving their capability and their effectiveness.”

And as Iraqi and American forces continue to track enemy fighters in the northern region, they are finding out that many people carrying out attacks in the region do so for financial gain in struggling economy, not because they hold extremist views.

“About 50 percent of the people conducting attacks are not conducting attacks because they believe in the ideology; they’re conducting the attacks because they’re being paid by these groups, and the unemployment is so off the charts over here that this is the only way some of these guys can feed their children,” Hertling explained. “One of the points we continue to make with the prime minister is that we have to continue to get jobs for people.”

(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg works for the Defense Media Activity.)


Related Sites:
Multinational Corps Iraq
Defense Department Bloggers Roundtable

Labels: Diyala Province, Good News, Iraq, Iraqi Security Forces, Kirkuk Province, Minaya Province, Mosul, Multinational Division North, Ninewah Province, Operation Lion's Roar, Salahuddin Province

BAQUBAH, Iraq (March 9, 2008) Iraqi girls walk to school with their teacher in Baqubah, Diyala Province, Iraq. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sean Mulligan

Labels: Baqubah, children, Diyala Province, Iraq, photos, US Navy

CLEAR & PATROL - U.S. soldiers, along with Iraqi police, clear and patrol the town of Aswad in Diyala province, Iraq, Feb. 19, 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Sean Mulligan

Labels: Aswad, Diyala Province, Iraq, Iraqi Police, photos, US Army

DIYALA PROVINCE OPS - A soldier assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division and his military working dog clear a building in Diyala Province, Jan. 10, 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Sean Mulligan

Labels: 2nd ID, Diyala Province, military working dog, photos, US Army

IRAQ ROOF PATROL
A U.S. Army dog handler working with the 1st Cavalry Regiment helps clear a building in Galahbia in the Diyala Province, Iraq, Dec. 23, 2007. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Sean Mulligan

Labels: 1st Cavalry Regiment, Diyala Province, Galahbia, Iraq, military working dog, US Army

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. James Cleary, Spc. Mark Pascual and Capt. Victor Satturlund, assigned to 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division provide overwatch and coordination for U.S. and Iraqi forces at the start of Operation Rock Hammer south of Baqouba, Iraq, Sept. 7, 2007. Operation Rock Hammer, conducted in farmland and palm groves on the Diyala River, resulted in the discovery of 11 al-Qaeda in Iraq weapons caches. U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Richard Ybarra


U.S. Army Spc. Mark Pascual, assigned to 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division pulls security during Operation Rock Hammer south of Baqouba, Iraq, Sept. 7, 2007. U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Richard Ybarra


U.S. Army Sgt. Armando Gonzalez, assigned to 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, assists a fellow soldier out of a ravine during Operation Rock Hammer, Sept. 7, 2007. U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Richard Ybarra


A 60mm mortar team, Spc. Carl Snow, Sgt. Matthew Gosselin and Sgt. Armando Gonzalez, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, in action during Operation Rock Hammer south of Baqouba, Iraq, Sept. 7, 2007. Operation Rock Hammer, conducted in farmland and palm groves on the Diyala River, resulted in the discovery of 11 al-Qaeda in Iraq weapons caches. U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Richard Ybarra


A soldier, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, destroys an insurgent cave containing a cache, with an AT-4 during Operation Rock Hammer, Sept. 7, 2007. U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Richard Ybarra


Soldiers, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, move past a burning weapons cache on the opposite bank of the Diyala River, Sept. 7, 2007. Operation Rock Hammer, conducted in farmland and palm groves on the Diyala River, resulted in the discovery of 11 al-Qaeda in Iraq weapons caches. U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Richard Ybarra




More photo essays at DefendAmerica

Labels: 2nd ID, Diyala Province, Iraq, Operation Rock Hammer, photo essays, photos, US Army

GREETINGS — U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, speaks with a local woman during his visit to Baqubah, the capitol of Diyala province, Iraq, Aug. 30, 2007. Crocker walked through the local market in downtown Baqubah, greeting many of the townspeople and listening to their concerns about the government. U.S Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud

Labels: Baqubah, Diyala Province, Iraq, photos, Ryan Crocker

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070810-06
August 10, 2007

Multi-National Division - North PAO

DIYALA RIVER VALLEY, Iraq - Building upon recent success in the Diyala River Valley, Iraqi and Coalition Soldiers conducted Operation William Wallace, Aug. 8, to destroy al-Qaeda elements in the Abu Tina area.

Conducting an early-morning air assault, the 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, partnered with Soldiers from Troop B, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, cleared the village; resulting in four terrorists killed, two suspected terrorists detained and a weapons cache discovered.

"This mission is important because while it provides a secure environment for the citizens of Abu Tina, it also reduces elements within the area that are known to target nearby villages," said Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of Coalition Forces in Diyala province.

"Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups have no place in Diyala. We will find them and they will be brought to justice."

While conducting a thorough clearance of Abu Tina, Coalition Forces killed two al-Qaeda members after being engaged in separate incidents. Attack helicopters from the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade killed an additional two armed men as they tactically maneuvered in a canal system around the objective area.

The detainees, one of whom was discovered with the weapons cache, were transferred to a facility for further questioning.

"We will continue to take advantage of the increased forces in Baqouba, allowing Iraqi and Coalition Forces to aggressively target other key areas that the terrorists perceive as their safe havens," said Sutherland.


FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION - NORTH AT:
TFLIGHTNING.PAO-AT-US.ARMY.MIL

Labels: 5-73rd Cavalry, 5th Iraqi Army Division, Abu Tina, Coalition Forces, Diyala, Diyala Province, Good News, Iraq, US Army

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 060507-02
June 5, 2007


BAQOUBA, Iraq – The newly formed Diyala Support Committee met with members of the Diyala provincial government, Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces, and local sheiks, including Sheik Ahmed Al-Tamimi, during their first visit to the province, June 5.

The DSC is formed by Iraqi Parliament members who have expressed concern about the current situation in the province and are committed to bringing the challenges and setbacks faced by the provincial government to the attention of the central government, while lobbying for additional support for Diyala.

During the visit, the DSC members received an operational update of the Diyala Operations Center by its chief, Maj. Gen. Ghanim Saleh Hussayn, and Lt. Gen. Ali Gheidan Al Otbi, Iraqi Ground Forces commander. Also in attendance were Governor Ra’ad Rasheed Al-Tamimi; Maj. Gen. Ghanem Al Qureshy, Provincial Director of Police; Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek, Task Force Lightning’s deputy commanding general for operations; Brig. Gen. James M. McDonald, Multinational Forces-Iraq effects coordinator, and other members of the provincial government and security forces.

“Today’s meeting was a significant first step in integrating the non-military resources of the national government into security operations in Diyala,” said Lt. Col. James D. George Jr., acting commander for 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “The presence of the DSC, on the ground, here in Diyala, will provide vital first-hand awareness of the conditions and needs of the province.”

The DSC will receive updates from the provincial government and ISF to monitor progress in security and the provision of essential services. This awareness will enable the committee to leverage the resources of the central government in support of Diyala.


Maj. Gen. Ghanim Saleh Hussayn, Diyala Operation Center chief and Lt. Gen. Ali Gheidan Al Otbi, Iraqi Ground Forces commander, brief members of the Diyala Support Committee on current operations as well as DOC functionality, June 5. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Raul E. Marquez, Public Affairs Officer, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division)


Sheik Ahmed Al-Tamimi addresses Diyala Support Committee members during the first DSC meeting conducted in Diyala, June 5. The DSC members are committed to lobbying for additional support from central government for the province. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Raul E. Marquez, Public Affairs Officer, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division).


Governor Ra’ad al Tamimi addresses Diyala Support Committee members and Diyala sheiks during a DSC meeting conducted in Diyala, June 5. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Raul E. Marquez, Public Affairs Officer, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division).


Members of the Diyala Support Committee meet with Diyala’s government officials, Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces to discuss current operations and express their commitment to the people of Diyala, June 5. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Raul E. Marquez, Public Affairs Officer, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division).

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 3BCT, Baqouba, Diyala Province, Good News, Iraq, photos

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070517-01

May 17, 2007

Multinational Division – North PAO

TIKRIT, Iraq – As Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces continue to provide security and stability throughout Diyala Province, Iraq, many tribal leaders are also uniting to bring peace and stand up against al-Qaida in Iraq.

After a peace agreement was signed between the paramount sheiks of the Karki and Shimouri tribes April 30, other tribal leaders have gathered throughout the region to do the same – provide peace and protection for their people and their lands.

At the Al Abarrah Iraq Army compound, local leaders gathered May 10 to pave a way ahead for peace between some of the rival villages and gain a commitment toward a unified stand against al-Qaida while supporting the government. The leaders also focused on the establishment of a police force in Zaganiyah.

“We’re beginning to have real success in the area,” said Capt. Michael Few, A Company, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment commander, who is attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “As long as we can continue these talks, there is hope for the people of Diyala.”

Sheik Ahmed Azziz, Sistan’s representative in Diyala, led the meeting and clearly stated success will not be achievable unless the tribes unite against terrorist groups throughout Diyala. He encouraged the leaders to push their past aside and talk about how they will secure the city for themselves.

The meeting resulted in five Sunni and five Shia volunteering for an Iraqi police hiring committee to work on the recruiting of local police.

Ahmed also encouraged the leaders to agree upon eight key points to include returning displaced families to the area, opening an IP station in Zaganiyah, securing the area under government supervision, turning to the ISF for assistance, protecting government institutions, committing to fight terrorists without sectarianism and be honest with one another.

“The key message is that issues must be resolved in the political realm, not with acts of violence and intimidation,” Few added.

The leaders will continue to meet to work out grievances and agree upon a peace agreement.

“I am anxious to see this region enjoy a future free of sectarian strife,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Poppas, 5-73 Cav. commander, “These positive engagements where each element openly discuss issues which effect the community as a whole and where their issues are received in a manner of understanding provides great promise.”

Also in Diyala, tribal leaders from the Ambugiya and Ubadie tribes have also begun a series of tribal meetings designed to resolve conflicts between villages from Khalis to Dali Abbas.

The leaders have been meeting with provincial and security force leaders to determine how to resolve their differences, stating terrorists must be eliminated from the province and are pledging to eliminate terrorist activity from their lands.

Further meetings are also planned between the Amugiya and Ubadie tribes to reconcile differences and sign an official peace agreement.


FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – NORTH AT: tflightning.pao-AT-us.army.mil

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 3BCT, 5-73rd Cavalry, Diyala Province, Good News, Iraq, Iraqi tribes

Soldiers from the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, from Fort Bragg, N.C., and soldiers from the 5th Iraqi Army Division conduct a search of a village near Balad Ruz, Iraq, April 28. The paratroopers, in conjunction with Iraqi Army soldiers, conduct patrols and village engagements to keep insurgent activity out of the area. Four months after a major operation called “Turki Bowl II,” the area has seen a dramatic decrease in insurgent activity. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Armando Monroig, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SR# B280
May 5, 2007

By Sgt. Armando Monroig
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BALAD RUZ, Iraq -- Four months after U.S. troops and their Iraqi Army counterparts launched a massive military operation in the villages Turki, Hamoud and 30 Tamuz, what was once an insurgent safe haven is now considered one of the quietest places in Diyala.

During the massive, nine-day assault dubbed “Turki Bowl II,” which concluded Jan. 13, about 100 insurgents were killed and 54 were detained for suspected involvement in terrorist activities in the area.

The operation, led by the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, from Fort Bragg, N.C., yielded weapons caches containing more than 1,100 Katyusha rockets, 1,500 rocket-propelled grenades, 500 mortars and a variety of materials used to make roadside bombs, called Improvised Explosive Devises.

The area is now considered under control by Iraqi and Coalition Forces, which has established a joint patrol base in Turki to maintain a constant presence there.
“It’s quiet. Four months before the operation, I saw the shooting of (local leaders), many IEDs, the road was dangerous,” said 1st Lt. Ali, a company commander in 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division.

“Now, it is safe. No terrorists are in this area, because the Iraqi Army and U.S. Army always patrol together.”

Ali and his soldiers share the responsibility of running the patrol base with their U.S. counterparts, who confirm a decrease in the level of violence in the area.
“Since we’ve been out here after Turki Bowl II, things have been pretty quiet,” said Sgt. Brandon Herron, from Troop B, 5-73 Cav. Regt. “With all the IA check points in the area, the incidences of IEDs have cut down dramatically.

“We’ve pretty much rooted out all of the enemy in the area. They’ve either fled, been captured or are lying low. I think having the IA and our presence out here has made a huge difference in the security of this area,” Herron said.

Despite the improved security in the Balad Ruz area, Staff Sgt. Donald McElroy said there’s still a possibility that his unit will find more insurgents while patrolling the canals and villages assaulted by coalition forces in January.

“I believe that those who weren’t killed, detained, and were lucky enough to get out of here, still come back,” said McElroy, also from Troop B. “That’s why we continue to patrol, because you never know.”

“Before Turki Bowl, (local residents) did not trust the coalition forces in the area,” said 2nd Lt. Jeremy Dionida, platoon leader for Recon Platoon, 5-73rd Cav. “Now with them telling us where the IEDs and (anti-tank) mines are, that’s a good indication that they put a lot of trust in us.”


A Soldier from the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, from Fort Bragg, N.C., stands guard at the entrance of a home in Turki village, near Balad Ruz, Iraq, April 28. The paratroopers, in conjunction with Iraqi Army soldiers, conduct patrols and village engagements to keep insurgent activity out of the area. Four months after a major operation called “Turki Bowl II,” the area has seen a dramatic decrease in insurgent activity. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Armando Monroig, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)


An Iraqi soldier from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, pulls security April 28 at a patrol base near Balad Ruz, Iraq. The Iraqi soldiers, in conjunction with the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, conduct patrols and village engagements to keep insurgent activity out of the area. Four months after a major operation called “Turki Bowl II,” the area has seen a dramatic decrease in insurgent activity. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Armando Monroig, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

Labels: 5-73rd Cavalry, 5th Iraqi Army Division, Balad Ruz, Diyala Province, Good News, Iraq, Iraqi Army, photos, US Army

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070425-01
April 25, 2007

Multi-National Division – North PAO

TIKRIT, Iraq – At approximately 3 p.m. Monday, a Coalition Forces’ patrol base in As Sadah, Iraq, was attacked by two suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, killing nine Soldiers and wounding 20 Soldiers and one Iraqi civilian.

Twelve Soldiers were returned to duty after initial medical care, and eight Soldiers and the Iraqi civilian were evacuated to a Coalition Forces’ medical treatment facility for further care. Three of those Soldiers were later returned to duty.

“My thoughts and prayers remain with the families of the brave Soldiers who were killed and wounded during this vicious attack,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander and senior U.S. Army officer in Diyala. “Today I met with the governor, deputy governor, provincial council chairman, and the provincial director of police, all of whom express their condolences and appreciation for the sacrifices our Soldiers make. I reaffirmed to them that the Coalition Forces inside Diyala will remain on the offense to deny the enemy any safe havens.”

“The attack did not and will not stop the progress we are making,” added Lt. Col. Andrew Poppas, 5-73 Cav. commander. “This has only strengthened our resolve and has emboldened the people’s support of the security forces – Coalition, IA and IP – all of which conducted a joint patrol today to showcase our determination and dedication to the community.”

The enemy attack consisted of small-arms fire, followed by the detonation of two explosive-laden trucks, one of which detonated along an outer barrier.

The second truck detonated approximately 30 meters from the patrol base building. Neither vehicle penetrated the patrol base’s inner perimeter. However, the explosive blast from the second truck ruptured the wall of the patrol base building, collapsing the second floor and, causing the majority of the Soldier casualties.
One house was destroyed and several smaller structures collapsed in the neighborhood around the compound. The civilian hospital and local mosque located approximately 200 meters from the patrol base also received damage.

“This attack is a direct response to our aggressive and persistent operations to target the enemy in Diyala,” Sutherland said. “We will remain disciplined and resolute as we continue to target the terrorists who bring nothing but hatred and violence to those that depend on us.

Immediately following the attack, recovery efforts were on site to assist with medical evacuation and reconstructing the force protection measures. The 5th Iraqi Army Division commander and his personal security detachment were also on site to provide recovery assistance.

The Soldiers of 5-73 Cav. have been conducting operations in the Diyala River Valley from the As Sadah patrol base since March. The Iraqi army and police have been working from another nearby patrol base, reorganizing to establish a joint IA, IP, CF base.

The names of the deceased Soldiers are being withheld pending notification of next of kin and release by the Department of Defense.


FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – NORTH AT: TFLIGHTNING.PAO-AT-US.ARMY.MIL

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 3rd BCT, 5-73rd Cavalry, 5th Iraqi Army Division, As Sadah patrol base, Diyala Province, Fallen Heroes, Iraqi Army, SVBIED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR# 031707- 01
March 17, 2007

BAQUBAH, Iraq – Iraqi soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, shot and killed a suicide bomber today, south of Shakarat, Iraq.

Coalition Forces near the area where the incident occurred reported that the suicide bomber was running toward an Iraqi tactical check point, and after failing to obey several verbal warnings to stop, the IA shot him, which prompted the vest to detonate.

This is the second suicide bomber incident in two days in the Diyala province.

Friday, a suicide bomber targeted the Balad Ruz Chief of Police during his visit at the Balad Ruz Hospital.

Iraqi Police reported that the suicide bomber was walking toward the hospital between the Iraqi Police’s posted vehicular security. The IPs warned the individual to stop, but were forced to engage him when he continued toward them. When the individual was shot, the vest detonated, injuring three IPs on site.

“The terrorists are now seeing and experiencing the effectiveness of the Iraqi Security Forces,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander, and senior Coalition Force officer in Diyala province. “This is why we are seeing an increase on audible attacks — attacks that are attempting to create fear within the local population.”

“I applaud the ISF members who’s vigilance and attention prevented those suicide bombers from achieving their targets,” said Sutherland. “Those are the actions of a professional force, which is helping gain the support of their people.”

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 3BCT, 5th Iraqi Army Division, Baqubah, Diyala Province, Good News, Iraqi Army, Iraqi Security Forces

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