Commander Says Iraqi Citizens Turning Against Insurgents

Courtesy of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Multi-National Force Iraq

Saturday, 25 August 2007

Multi-National Division-Baghdad and 1st Cavalry Division commander, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Fil Jr. (front), accompanied by U.S. Army Lt. Col. James W. Phillips (right), commander of the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, tours the Palestine Market in the Rusafa District of eastern Baghdad. Over 1,800 barriers have been emplaced in the market since May 1, making the area more secure. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. W. Wayne Marlow, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division Public Affairs.

BAGHDAD — Iraqis who once aligned themselves with militants are now taking up arms against al-Qaeda, a top commander in the Iraqi capital said during a conference call Friday.

Likening members of terrorist organizations to “street gangsters,” U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joseph Fil, commander of Multi-National Division-Baghdad and 1st Cavalry Division, said Iraqis are becoming tired of price gouging on staples such as gasoline and ice when militant groups move in and take over neighborhoods.

“We have found that throughout the city there is increasing distrust, fatigue and disillusionment by the population with al-Qaeda and Jaysh al-Mahdi (militia group),” he said. “There is a strong desire in the neighborhoods to turn away from them.”

Fil said Coalition troops are continuing to take away the enemy’s ability to control neighborhoods and to brutalize the population.

“Every day we’re working with Iraqi Security Forces and the Iraqi government to place power back in the legitimate hands of the average Iraqi civilian,” the general said.

Local citizens are more openly embracing Iraqi Security Forces and are beginning to respect and trust their fellow citizens in uniform, he added.

Now 10 months into their deployment, Fil said troops of the 1st Cavalry Division are fully integrated and “up to speed” with surge operations. “The division continues to excel in this campaign as we try to bring security and stability to the Iraqi capital,” he said, as he described that more than 50 percent of Baghdad is in the “control” or “retain” phase of the overall Baghdad security plan.

In a February briefing, Fil described the mission in Baghdad as “clear, control and retain.” In the “clear” phase of a mission, Iraqi and U.S. forces move into neighborhoods and clear out extremist elements. In the “control” phase, the combined forces maintain a full-time presence on the streets, Fil explained. The forces will man combined security stations, which are being built all over the city, and will work to establish conditions that allow Iraqi forces to take over operations completely.

The “retain” phase comes when Iraqi forces are responsible for day-to-day security operations and Coalition forces can move out of the neighborhoods and into areas where they can respond if assistance is needed.

Fil also said fewer innocent Iraqis are being murdered as a result of sectarian violence, and statistics show murders are at their lowest level since the beginning of surge operations.

“Markets that were once targets by indiscriminant killers are now safer and thriving,” the general said. “And more and more Iraqis are turning from the ‘rule of gun’ to the ‘rule of law.’”

The last several months have been challenging, Fil said. “And I don’t expect things to get any easier in the months ahead, but I do fully expect to see the same steady progress that we and the Iraqi Security Forces have made in bringing stability to neighborhood by neighborhood throughout Baghdad.”

(Story by Carmen L. Gleason, American Forces Press Service)

In other developments throughout Iraq:

•           Iraqi citizens and police fought back against an al-Qaeda attack on two villages near Kana’an early Thursday morning, brought on because the villagers had begun assisting Iraqi Security Forces in pushing the terrorist group out of the area.

•           Multi-National Division-Baghdad troops were engaged with small arms and machine gun fire by illegal militiamen while searching for a cache in a northwestern neighborhood of the Iraqi capital Thursday.

Iraqi, Coalition forces move forward despite attacks

News from CentCom:

21 Jun 07
by Spc. Carl N. Hudson
Combined Press Information Center.

BAGHDAD – The Fardh Al-Qanoon spokesman and a Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman held a press conference at the Combined Press Information Center Wednesday.

Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Qassim Atta Al-Moussawi, Fardh Al-Qanoon spokesman, and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Mark Fox, a Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman, discussed the progress of Fardh Al-Qanoon. [Continue reading.]

All 30,000 troops are finally in place, and the Iraqi Army (IA) is working well with them. Sometimes the IA would take the lead in the missions, while at other times the MNF-I would take the lead.

This was a conference to let the people know that no matter what they were hearing in the press, they were indeed working hand in hand. Literally! It's a good report. Thank you, and have a nice day.

Basra may be ready to take over her province, maybe

This is a press show. I don't know, but I get suspicious of these. Don't mind me. I'm just sitting here listening to the stupid illegal alien amnesty bill that will allow all terrorists free entry into this country. That's is why I am in a foul mood. Please don't let me take you away from what is actually good news.

Iraqis taking the lead in Basrah.

In an upbeat assessment General Ali Hamadi, Head of the Basrah Emergency Security Committee, has voiced his growing confidence in the Province's security situation and the capability of the Iraqi Security Forces as they assume greater security responsibility and moves towards Provincial Iraqi Control.
[...]
"I will not say to you there is no corruption in the police. This depends on every individual within the Iraqi Police Service deciding he wants to do good,” said General Hamadi. “It is our duty to ensure we fight all the bad elements in society. We will see this matter continue to improve." [Continue reading by clicking on the title.]

We were told it was going to be a long process, but people don't seem to have the patience. Shame on you! Do you really know how long it took for us to get our own constitution and end our own Revolutionary War? Let me give you a hint. We had two, count 'em, two, Continental Congress before we settled for the one we (somewhat) live by now! The war began in 1776 and we didn't have a running government until 1789.

BTW, we never had welfare nor a standing army at that time. Either you carried your share or you died. Think about THAT the next time you want to bad mouth any of these brave young men and women who are defending us...

Iraq Assistance Group Supports the Feature Performance

This article is similiar to the one below it, only this one goes into better theatrics. (It is very well written.) It is about the Iraq Assistence Group and the Personal Security Platoon. The hair on my...?...the skin on my...?...I get the chills thinking about these guys. It is a great read. Have a great weekend, and stay safe!

Chemical Weapons of Mass Destruction Destroyed

These indgredients were there before we set one foot on the ground, so here are some of your weapons of mass destruction that you keep questioning everyone about. Not good enough? Okay.

While conducting an operation in Iraq, Coalition Forces destroyed 2 explosives production facilities.

During the same operation, Coalition Forces killed 8 terrorists, detained 13 suspects and destroyed:

150 RPG's
30 rockets
plastic explosives
hundreds of morter rounds.

Yes, we are winning, one rocket-one RPG-one terrorist at a time. Thankfully, they come in greater numbers than one, though!

Source: MNF-Iraq and YouTube.

Iraqi Boy Soouts!

April 13, 2007

Iraqi Boy Souts clean up their new camp in Baghdad ahead of scheduled Boy Scout Jamboree!

You guys are the future. Do well unto others, and you shall be rewarded in tenfold. God bless you all.

Source: MNF-Iraq.

Clearing operation nets five weapons caches in Baghdad

Sunday, 22 April 2007.

Clearing operation Nets Five Weapons Caches in Baghdad’s Mansour district
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO 3rd SBCT, 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs Officer

BAGHDAD – Coalition Force members and Iraqi Army troops continued clearing operations in the Iraqi capital’s Mansour security district, uncovering five weapons caches April 21 during Operation Arrowhead Strike 9.

The weapons and ammunition discovered included one submachine gun, five AK-47 assault rifles with eight full magazines, two pistols with four full magazines, one full can of blasting caps used for improvised explosive devices, two small two-way radios and one sword.

Iraqi Army troops from 1st Battalion, 5th Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, along with U.S. Army Soldiers from the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division participated in the clearing operation.

One terrorist killed, 19 suspects captured, bomb-making cache found

Sunday, 22 April 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed one terrorist, detained 19 suspected terrorists and found caches of weapons and chemicals used to make improvised explosive devices during operations Sunday.

An armed terrorist was killed and 19 suspected terrorists were detained when Coalition Forces raided several buildings southeast of Fallujah.

During that raid, Coalition Forces found large amounts of chemicals used to make IEDs, several weapons and bomb-making accessories, including more than 50 pressure plates and a suicide vest. A controlled detonation destroyed the materials on site.

A vehicle found on the scene loaded with explosives was destroyed by an air strike.

“Coalition forces continue to remove dangerous stores of weapons and explosives from the hands of terrorists and the enemies of the people of Iraq," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. "This represents one more small victory in the war against those that would deny safety and security to the Iraqi people.”

The good, the bad and the ugly

I have many articles that were written by CENTCOM on my page I have reserved for the longer stories. I know you will find many of them very rewarding, some of them sad, and some of them just, well, huh?! lol. Okay, here we go:

Medic recalls his actions during attack.

Joint effort continues at Jalalabad PRT.

Diwaniyah "returning to normal, step by step".

Group of Australians making a difference.

Iraqi Police eager to learn****

15th MEU Returns to Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group.

Relief and Appointment Ceremony with Admiral William Fallon Master Sergeant Curtis Brownhill Sergeant Major Jeffery Morin. Audio video.

Bush Condemns Attack on Iraqi Parliament.

Deployment Stress on Guard, Reserve Has Lessened, Hall Says.

Army Deployment Change Helps Sustain Surge.

Relief and Appointment.

Gates: Still ‘So Far, So Good’ in Iraq

WASHINGTON, April 4, 2007 - Security in Baghdad has improved even though only part of the planned increase of U.S. troops is in place, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today on a nationally syndicated radio program.

“So far, so good,” Gates said on the Laura Ingraham Show, noting it is too early to draw conclusions.

Al Qaeda continues to launch dramatic terror attacks against population centers, but Gates said some of these attacks are in reaction to the progress being made.

“It’s been part of their strategy since last year to foment sectarian violence,” Gates said. “I think some of these large car bombs are to counteract some of the positive things that have been happening as a result of even the two brigades going into Baghdad along with a significant number of Iraqi forces.” [Continue reading.]

Baghdad ‘Surge’ Produces Early Successes, Official Says

WASHINGTON, April 4, 2007 - Murders and kidnappings, the hallmarks of sectarian violence, have decreased in Baghdad since reinforcements of U.S. and Iraqi security forces began to flow into the city in mid-February as part of Operation Fahrd al-Qanoon, a senior U.S. military official said in Baghdad today.

“A clear reduction in the number of kidnappings and execution-style murders” has taken place across Baghdad since Fahrd al-Qanoon, or “Enforce the Law,” was launched to secure and tamp down violence in Baghdad and western Iraq, Navy Rear Adm. Mark I. Fox, spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, said to representatives of U.S.-based veterans groups during a telephone conference call. [Continue reading.]

General Petraeus Goes to Market

BAGHDAD, April 4, 2007 - U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq, visited the Dora Market March 31 and saw the significant improvements made there since December.

“Chai for everyone,” Petraeus exclaimed with a smile as he placed some money on the counter at a small tea shop to buy tea for all who accompanied him on the trip and then some. Later he sipped tea with an Iraqi Army battalion commander and Col. Ricky D. Gibbs, commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, whose unit is responsible for securing the Dora Market area. They discussed the visible progress in what was, just four months ago, a dangerous cluster of ramshackle buildings full of roaming death squads and criminals. [Continue reading.]

Iraqi citizens aid security forces

BAGHDAD - An Iraqi Army general and a spokesman for Multi-National Force-Iraq held a press conference concerning the progress of Fardh Al-Qanoon at the Combined Press Information Center Sunday.

Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Qassim Moussawi and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Mark Fox, an MNF-I spokesman, provided an update on recent achievements by Iraqi and Coalition forces and encouraged the Iraqi population to keep providing more information leading to the capture of terrorists. [Continue reading.]

News from CENTCOM: 4/6/2007

There are mostly great articles today, however there is one (I think) that is not so good. Let's get started.

Joint Police Force Works Toward a More Secure Iraq
ISKANDARIYAH, Iraq, March 31, 2007 — The future security of Iraq starts at the ground level with the Iraqi security forces. In order to prepare the Iraqis for thi[s] responsibility, soldiers in transition teams have been working around the clock all over Iraq. [If you'd prefer a larger font and/or a different background, use this link.]

Nondestructive testing keeps Bagram aircraft flying
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNEWS) -- They endure wide swings in temperature and dusty conditions, and they are constantly pushed to their limits. They are the F-15E Strike Eagles stationed here. [If you have trouble using that link, use this link.]

Black Jack Performs Medical Mission in Baghdad
BAGHDAD, March 30, 2007 — As Haifa Street residents begin coming back out into the streets that were once too dangerous to step into, coalition and Iraqi security forces are beginning to lend a much needed hand in many of the basic needs. [If you'd prefer a larger font and/or a different background, use this link.]

Iraqis, Coalition Working Together to Secure Tal Afar
WASHINGTON, March 31, 2007 – Coalition and Iraqi forces are working with city leaders to secure the Iraqi city of Tal Afar after a bombing at a market killed more than 80 people earlier this week, a military official said today in a briefing from the city. [If you'd prefer a larger font and/or a different background, use this link.]

If you'd like, I usually use the other link for longer articles. Here is the name of it: DoD Daily News-2. Not too original, but it gets the job done. lol. Have a great day, and a very Happy Easter.

Rule of Law to Reign Supreme for Victory in Iraq

There is a fabulous article about the path to victory that I believe everyone should read. There are three positions of contention that need to be given special attention to if we desire to see Iraq survive as a civillized nation.

The first is the judical system. When Saddam was in charge, everyone knew the verdict before they went before the court. That is no longer the case. Now when people go to court, the rule of law shall be applied fairly to each person, no matter their standing.

Secondly, the prisons need to be integrated into a place where there is no torture, no abuse, etc. These places shall be integral in the success for a trusted judical system.

Thirdly, the police need to make the Iraqi people feel as though they can trust these guys. They used to be feared, so it will take some time and effort to have this come about. These are the three legs upon which victory actually stands.

Does the military play a part? Definitely! We must keep Iraq as stable as possible for the Iraqi people to start trusting their own police and judicial system again, if not for the first time. How long will this take? I do not know. Why don't you tell me when we leave Germany, Japan, South Korea, Bosnia and Kosovo...

If the link above no longer works, try this one.

Source: CENTCOM News Feed. If you wish to have this feed, just e-mail me. I will help you to get it. Have a great day.