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CAMP STRIKER, Iraq (May 6, 2008) - Iraqi Army, Coalition, tribal
and Government of Iraq leaders met at the IA Compound in Mahmudiyah
May 1 to discuss the progress of Operation Marne Piledriver.
Marne Piledriver, a capacity-building operation, kicked-off
April 15 with an air assault and dismounted patrols throughout the
Mahmudiyah Qada, aimed at disbanding any remaining al-Qaeda threat
in the area.
"We want to build trust within Mahmudiyah and make sure the
terrorist threat is gone for good," said Sheikh Abu Amar,
Mahmudiyah Qada Council chairman. "In gaining trust, however, we
expect people to come to the government when they have issues or
project ideas."
Since the start of Piledriver, a series of projects have begun
to improve the stability of local governance and economics
throughout the qada.
Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, Multi-National Division - Center
commanding general, pointed out that Mahmudiyah was experiencing
violence every day only 14 months ago. "All of that has changed now
because of the implementation of security measures," Lynch
said.
In conjunction with Marne Piledriver, the Rakkasans of 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) have
assisted in the construction and refurbishment of schools, medical
and water treatment facilities, new IA battle positions, patrol
bases and various Sons of Iraq checkpoints throughout the qada.
Also, a 9-kilometer pipeline is being run to pump fresh water
through the area.
In recent weeks, Operation Marne Piledriver has generated enough
energy, resources and money for water treatment facilities that by
August, 85 percent of the entire qada will be able to receive clean
water, said Col. Dominic Caraccilo, commander of 3rd BCT, 101st
Abn. Div. (AASLT).
In other improvements: One of two new radio stations is now up
and running. The one in Mahmudiyah aired its first broadcast April
27 and the Yusifiyah station will become operational by May 11.
Caraccilo said the stations will broadcast information on health,
agriculture and voting information to the populace.
Revitalization of the fish and poultry industries is also under
way, with hopes of boosting the economy by providing more jobs to
the local populace.
"The ability to be able to offer all of these projects begins
with security," said Brig. Gen. Ali Jassim Muhammad Hassen
al-Frejee, 25th Brigade, 6th IA Division commander. He said the
improved security has allowed the Coalition, IA, Iraqi Police and
GoI to work together in creating a better Iraq.
"Without security we cannot do anything, and we know that,"
Caraccio said, echoing al-Frejee's statements.
"Leadership is the key to the success in this area," Lynch said,
who attributes the success in Mahmudiyah to three things: the great
Rakkasans' leadership at battalion and brigade levels, the strength
of the Mahmudiyah Qada's IA and IP forces and tribal leaders from
the area willing to meet the requirements set before them.
"Seeing the country I call home move forward brings great
pride," al-Frejee said. "Everyone must realize it is not being a
son of Mahmudiyah, it's being a son of Iraq and it's amazing how
much progress has been made over the past months."
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