Courtesy Photo | Staff Sgt. Kathleen Lee leads her military working dog on an inspection for explosives...... read more read more
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By Spc. Kevin Holden
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division
BAGHDAD - In support of the Security Agreement implementation, Iraqi security forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers conducted a combined combat operation, Jan. 25, to inspect and secure polling sites for the upcoming provincial elections in the Mahmudiyah Qada.
The Iraqi security forces have overall responsibility for securing the polling sites with MND-B Soldiers in a support role.
The combined combat operation involved soldiers and military working dogs from the 17th Iraqi Army Division and MND-B Soldiers from Company C, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division.
The Soldiers inspected and secured polling sites at four different schools in the Warij region, which will be used as voting centers. Ensuring the sites are safe for voters is a responsibility of the Iraqi police, who will be posted at the polling sites on the day of the election.
"There will be 15 IA soldiers and 10 IPs at each polling site. I am using all my resources to make this a good election," said Iraqi Maj. Jabbar Hafuth, commander, 3rd Battalion, 25th Brigade, 17th IA Div.
Throughout the pre-election security sweeps, MND-B military police dogs searched for possible explosives at each polling site.
"The police dogs are a good tool being used to prevent violent acts of terrorism by insurgents for these events," said Staff Sgt. Kathleen Lee, a native of Flagstaff, Ariz., who serves with Co. C, 1st CAB, 63rd Arm. Regt.
In the past month, the IA has been working with MND-B Soldiers on multiple operations to ensure Iraqi citizens are afforded a safe, secure and free election.
"The IA is gaining good knowledge working with MND-B Soldiers during security patrols on tactics, techniques and procedures," said Staff Sgt. Roderick Buck, a native of Post Falls, Idaho, who serves with Co. C, 1st CAB, 63rd Arm. Regt.
The Iraqi army soldiers are working with the Iraqi police and Sons of Iraq to provide security as they established vehicle checkpoints on multiple roads and highways in the Mahmudiyah area.
"I am happy to protect my country and school. I want to help all the kids and hold free elections. I want leaders to help Iraq and the new government" said Abaas Kathum Abdulah, an Iraqi Jundi.
| Date Taken: | 01.25.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 01.28.2009 13:16 |
| Story ID: | 29377 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 174 |
| Downloads: | 170 |
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