|
| Good News from Iraq That Nobody Discusses |
Published: 11/18/2008 Author: submitted by Chris Hill
Posted On: November 18, 2008 at 11:37 AM By: |
Dear Interested Reader,
IA, IP and U.S. cmdrs. meet to discuss security of Babil Province. Kudos to the U.S. Army Corps of Engrs. as they continue to oversee school renovations, and repairs to the Musayib Water Treatment Plant. The training and mentoring of Iraqi doctors bring improve care for the people of Muthanna. A new Mosul Police College nears completion.
____________________________________
Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
IA, IP, U.S. commanders discuss security of Babil
CAMP VICTORY - IA, IP and Coalition leaders met to discuss the security of Babil province at the 31st IA Bde HQ in al-Hillah, Nov. 11. Discussed were issues such as the transition of battle space from 4th BCT to the 172nd Inf Bde under Col. Jeffery Sinclair, key developments in the area, and the cooperation of CF with IA to remedy criminal issues.
"One of the key pieces we see in the security of Babil provinces is establishing sustainable security with Iraqi SF," said Col. Thomas James, 4th BCT, 3rd ID cmdr. "There's no doubt in my mind we have achieved security, and will sustain the security of Babil province for the foreseeable future, because of the great work by the 31st IA Bde."
"As I mentioned to Col. James earlier today, this meeting is very important to us," said Brig. Gen. Amir, 31st Bde, 8th IA Div cmdr. "During our work together, we achieved a lot of goals."
James said he would like to see a combined ops center formed, so the IA and CF are connected in executing missions on a daily basis. Currently, the 3rd Bn, 7th Inf Regt and the 31st Bde. are conducting combined targeting meetings.
"We have future plans to execute more ops, also future plans to open more control bases together," said Amir. "The Iraqi forces cannot do it by itself. The Coalition forces cannot do it by itself. We have to do it together. Our work together will sustain the security situation and stability in Babil province."
"Overall, the situation is stable. Militia and al-Qaeda are disrupted," said Maj. Sam Martirosian, intel officer for 4th BCT. "I attribute it to a very professional police and army force."
The IA also plans to open more checkpoints. This is something the people have been asking for, said Lt. Col. Timothy Newsome, 3-7th Inf. Regt. cmdr. "A big step forward was when Fadhil sent out the lieutenant and the 11 IPs that are living at the entrance control point at Patrol Base Kelsey, because those IPs now are getting out and patrolling, and the citizens love it. They take it as an indicator of progress forward," Newsome said. "They're comfortable talking with CF, comfortable talking with the IA, but they're much more comfortable talking and engaging with the IPs who are primarily from their area."
Col. Thomas James introduces Brig. Gen. Amir to his bn cmdrs prior to the security meeting.
(Army photos by Spc. Sophia R. Lopez)
Col. James, Maj. Gen. Fadhil, the police chief of Babil province, and Brig. Gen. Abdul Amir, conduct a security meeting.
Lt. Col. Timothy Newsome addresses security issues.
Brig. Gen. Amir shows Col. James the water bottling plant at the 31st Bde. HQ following the security meeting.
-30-
School Upgrade Creates Jobs, Better Learning Environment
The newly-renovated Al Nadwah School in Al Dhyabat Village in the northern Thi Qar Province.
(USACE photo and story by Norris Jones)
THI QAR PROVINCE — An Iraqi crew is renovating a high school in southern Iraq, repairing the leaky roof, replacing hazardous electrical wiring and fixing the non-functioning toilets. The project translates into jobs for the local community with about 40 residents on the construction crew, building materials purchased from area businesses, and the school itself employing 19 teachers.
These improvements are enhancing the learning environment here,” said construction rep Toni Graves, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engrs (USACE). “My job is to check on the progress and quality of the work. It’s inspiring to see the appreciative smiles from the students.”
More than 240 students attend classes at the 15-room facility, which was originally constructed nearly 30 years ago.
Headmaster Mohammed says this is the first major renovation his school has had, and the community is very appreciative. “It’s looking great,” he said. “The Iraqi workers - many of whom live here - know how much their efforts mean to area families. Everyone is pleased.”
The USACE Gulf Region Div has overseen the renovation or new construction of nearly 1,100 schools, with another 38 still under construction.
-30-
Water Treatment Plant Training, Repairs Offer Long-Term Solution
By Alicia Embrey (USACE)
Repairs to the Musayib Water Treatment Plant will allow it to provide potable water for the first time in years.
BABIL PROVINCE — An Iraqi crew’s repairs to the water treatment plant in Musayib will ensure clean drinking water to 50,000 households in the area. “After years of neglect, the facility is currently pumping water directly from the Euphrates River into the city’s drinking water distribution system with little or no filtration,” said Lt. Col. Michael Darrow with the USACE. “The only treatment that is being provided is chlorination. It is unregulated and insufficient to adequately treat the raw river water,” he continued.
Nearly 35 Iraqi workers are on the crew rehabilitating the plant’s major mechanical systems, with the goal of restoring its full design capacity of 2,160 cubic meters per hour. The project is now 32% finished, Darrow said.
This is one of more than 600 water treatment or sewage projects in Iraq overseen by USACE, which have direct impact on the quality of life for nearly 5 million people. In addition to the construction effort, there is also a mission to ensure that the Iraqis are trained and ready to operate the plant on their own. The Babil PRT and embedded PRT supporting the 4th BCT, 3rd ID, are developing training programs to certify Iraqi operators.
Once the plant repairs are complete next spring, the staff will be ready to produce clean water and will know the proper maintenance requirements to avoid major breakdowns. “The intent is to offer a certification process similar to what the typical water treatment plant operator in the U.S. is required to go through,” Darrow noted.
“We all recognize that ops and maintenance is one of Iraq’s biggest challenges and that a priority needs to be placed on developing skills and abilities,” said Maj. Kimberly Peeples, dep. team leader of the North Babil embedded PRT. “We are working hand-in-hand with the Babil water dir. gen. and the Babil PRT to identify a sustainable solution. “We are committed to assisting the Iraqis in taking this important step,” she concluded. “It will ensure that Musayib families can count on clean water coming out of their taps for years to come.”
-30-
Muthanna security forces enables cure in Iraq
COB ADDER - Noor Muhammad, a 7-year-old girl from Rumyitha in Muthanna Province, came to a cooperative medical
engagement, Nov. 1 with an earache her father could not cure. After a few minutes with American and Iraqi doctors, she happily walked away with care instructions and medication. "The Americans are very good to us," said Noor. "I am very happy to be able to see a doctor and get better."
The Iraqi SF in the Muthanna Province partnered with Soldiers of the 2nd Bn, 12th Cav Regt, 4th BCT, 1st Cav Div, and Muthanna's PRT, during this medical engagement located near COB Adder.
"This shows what can be accomplished by coordination between not only the PRT and CF, but also with the local security
forces and govt," said Maj. Dustin Harris, 2nd Bn EO. "This has been a great event that served the people of Muthanna
and provided a necessary service for over 300 Iraqis."
"The training and mentoring of Iraqi doctors by American doctors was enthusiastic and will pay dividends for the people of Muthanna in terms of improved care for everyone," said Adam Smith, Muthanna PRT. The PRT distributed approx. 90 wheelchairs to area residents in need. The wheelchairs will replace makeshift wagons and chairs for those citizens.
(Army photo by Capt. Robin Worch)
-30-
Mosul Police College nears completion
MOSUL - Construction of a new training academy in Mosul is nearing the final phase and will soon begin operations to train new police officers.
"This new facility will provide the Iraqi SF with a professional academy to train its new officers and ensure they have the
skills needed to protect the residents of Mosul," said Capt. Tara Mahoney, provost marshal, 3rd Armored Cav Regt.
-30-
MND-B Soldiers detain SG criminal in Rashid district
BAGHDAD - Nov. 16, at approx. 12:45 a.m., a combat patrol from Co C, 4th Bn, 64th Armor Regt, attached to the 1st BCT,
4th ID, detained a Special Groups criminal in the Shurta community.
-30-
MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq
Coalition forces capture one wanted man, detain five suspected terrorists
BAGHDAD – On Nov. 16 in Kirkuk, CF targeted a wanted man, who reports suggest is an AQI regional leader with ties to Tamim province IED attacks. Four suspects believed to be the wanted man’s associates were detained for further questioning.
Forces continued ops to dismantle AQI car bomb and IED ops on Nov. 17 near As Sadiyah, about 112 km to the northeast of Baghdad. One wanted man assessed to be an AQI courier with connections to Diyala province IED and car bomb networks was captured. One additional suspect was detained during the op.
|
|
| Posted on November 18, 2008 at 11:37 AM by
|
|
|
|
