|
FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq (January 16, 2009)
- National Police officers and Iraqi Army soldiers
partnered with Paratroopers assigned to the Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne
Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, conducted a combined
patrol Jan. 13 in the Rusafa district of eastern Baghdad.
Iraqi Security Forces and their MND-B partners conducted the
operation inside Baghdad's historic Matanabi Book Market.
Iraqi citizens greeted the patrol and the security during its
mission. Although the patrol may have been somewhat distracting for
some, many residents said they felt the partnered patrols have been
an important reason for the improved security in the past few
months.
"The Iraqi people are happy," said an Iraqi Army soldier. "They
are glad to see us and they feel safe now."
Iraqi Army Maj. Gen. Abdul Kareem Abdulrahman Al-Izi, commander
of the 1st National Police Division; Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Haitham
Al Alwani, commander of the 43rd Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division;
and Col. Timothy McGuire, commander of the 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div.,
accompanied their men throughout the operation. The leaders took
time to speak with shop owners, greet customers and discuss the
need to maintain recent security gains.
The Matanabi Book Market was closed nearly two years ago after a
suicide bomber attack. The market reopened to the public in
December. Prime Minister of Iraq Nouri Al Maliki proclaimed the
market as a symbol of strength and hope for the future of Iraq. The
market and its surrounding shops welcome thousands of residents and
showcase some of Iraq's finest selection of food, art and
clothing.
"I don't think we could have walked this market without a
platoon-size force a year ago," said Staff Sgt. Michael Foley, a
native of Bassett, Va., and squad leader assigned the personnel
security detachment. "It is a clear sign of the improvements on
security made across the country, and it was great to see the
market so busy. Working hand in hand with the ISF makes it all that
much better.
"This is what we like to see - people living their normal lives
and away from fear. It was quite a site to see."
|
