Security meeting pushes for improvements

Photo By Pfc. Michael Schuch | Mushen Nasser, mayor of the Mada'in Qada, listens to the improvements that have been made to the Mada'in Qada and upcoming plans during a Mada'in Qada security meeting, July 2.  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IRAQ

07.02.2008

Story by Pfc. Michael Schuch 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

By Pfc. Michael Schuch
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq –The Mada'in Qada Security Council held a security meeting with leaders of the Iraqi army and Iraqi national police and leaders of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, July 2.

The meeting was held at the headquarters of the 35th Brigade, 9th IA Division to discuss the need for further improvements in the Salman Pak area.

Participants focused on a number of issues in the Mada'in Qada, including security of the area, cooperation between the security forces, infrastructure in the area and the Iraqi judicial system.

General Abdullah, commander of the 35th Bde., 9th IA Div., expressed the importance of passing on any information that local sheiks know or receive about extremists in the area.

"Ensuring the area is clear (of extremist activity) is the responsibility of the local leaders," said Abdullah. "Whether the individual is your cousin, brother or friend, it is your responsibility to turn him in if you know he is working with the enemy."

Abdullah also introduced upcoming plans for the Mada'in Qada, including clearing it of all extremist threats.

"Over the next couple months, we will be obtaining receipts from every house and building in the qada saying that security forces have entered the premise and ensured it was clear and safe," said Abdullah. "By doing this, we can ensure and prove that the qada is clear once and for all."

Abdullah also expressed that the harsh tactics used in the past against suspected individuals would no longer be an issue.

"If someone is turned in, they will be brought in for questioning. If they are found innocent, they will be driven back to their homes. If they are found guilty, they will be passed along to the Iraqi judicial system for further investigations and a trial," said Abdullah.

Brig. Gen. Emad, commander of the 3rd Brigade, 1st National Police Division, discussed the security related accomplishments in the Mada'in Qada.

"We have cleared the areas that were originally the headquarters for the al-Qaida in the Mada'in Qada," said Emad. "Thanks to the security forces, we are back in control of the area."

Col. Pat White, commander of the 2nd BCT, 1st Armd. Div., explained that he felt the council was moving in the right direction.

"I feel honored and privileged to be able to work with you," said White, a native of Apple Valley, Calif. "Let us continue to work together to figure out the issues of the Mada'in Qada."

The meeting came to a close after all leaders made their comments, allowing the leaders to plan for the next security council meeting before enjoying lunch together in the 35th Bde., 9th IA Div., dining facility.

• Date Taken: 07.02.2008
• Date Posted: 07.07.2008 03:03
• Story ID: 21246
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IQ