If you follow the Iraq field of operations like I do, you know we have seen success after success in that country. The media (newspapers and cable news) usually just talk about the bad things that happen in Iraq, however. Whatever the reason for this, there are good things that are happening in the country. That said, there are still some bad guys committing terrible acts against the population.
For example, back on February 25th, Iraqi security forces arrested a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member believed to be responsible for numerous assassinations during a joint security operation conducted southwest of the Iraqi capital. Initial intelligence reports indicate terrorists increasingly are staging politically motivated assassinations and violent attacks in an attempt to undermine the Iraqi government and create a sense of chaos as national elections near, officials said.
Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched a home for the suspected assassin, who belongs to the terrorist cell believed to have conducted nearly 50 assassinations. Evidence and information collected during the operation led forces to identify and arrest the wanted man and two suspected criminal accomplices. And this is just one capture, one of the good things being done to help FURTHER stabilize the country of Iraq. It’s still rough there, perhaps, but things are getting better. Taking the bad guys like this out is a good thing. When you look at how we’ve totally dismantles the power structure over there, it’s marvelous.
I’ll be looking at Iraq more in the weeks to come so you can see the positive role the US military is playing over there.
Sgt. Stryker Out.
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Civil Affairs Patrol
An Iraqi soldier from the 14th Iraqi Army Division, pull security during a joint patrol with U.S. Soldiers attached to 17th Fires Brigade, in Al Ashar, Iraq, Dec. 9, 2009. The patrol was conducted to promote stability, and to assess the needs of the local populace. Photo by Spc. Samantha Ciaramitaro
CLS Course
Iraqi soldiers with the 14th Iraqi Army Division Commandos react to a hostile situation during a mass casualty exercise at the Shiaba Training Center in Shiaba, Iraq, Feb. 25. The Iraqis where being evaluated by U.S. Marines from the 14th Iraqi Army Division Military Transition Team. Photo by Spc. Samantha Ciaramitaro
Joint Forces
U.S. Army Pfc. Travis Nibbs, of Boston, Mass., puts on his protective gear before entering the turret of his humvee as his convoy prepares to depart Forward Operating Base Wessam, Iraq, Feb. 25. Nibbs is assigned to the Guardians Maneuver Detachment, 17th Fires Brigade, 1st Armored Division in Contingency Operating Base Basra. Photo by Staff Sgt. Adelita Mead
Police Training in Mosul
U.S. Army Sgt. John Wallace,114 Military Police Company, 3-17 Military Police Battalion, 49 Infantry Brigade, teaches the Iraqi police the importance of your body facing the crowd in a riot situation in Mosul, Iraq, Feb. 25, 2010. Iraqi police are learning riot control in order to provide and safe and secure environment for their country. Photo by Spc. Jillian Munyon