IA Operation builds relationship with civilians

Photo By Spc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile | Iraqi army soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 49th Brigade, 12th Division IA, had successfully conducting a cordon and search in a village, with their U.S. partners in Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, ‘Gunners’ 3rd Field Artillery, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division out of Fort Bliss, Texas simply observing as they clear multiple objectives and interact with the people in a village near Kirkuk, Iraq, June 23.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

06.23.2010

Story by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

During the early morning operation the IA did not detain any warranted individuals or find any contraband according to the 1st Battalion Executive Officer Staff Maj. Mohammed Saed Mohammednudi, the officer who oversaw the operation.

But according to the IA leader not finding anything is a sign of stable security in the area.

“Years ago if we had dismounted in this village we would have been attacked by insurgents,” he said. “The people of the village would hide in fear of the insurgents.”

He continued saying IA soldiers and U.S. Forces worked very hard to clear the village of the terrorists.

“Now when we come into the village we never find anything or anyone and all of the people say it is very safe,” he said.

Capt. Spencer Timmons, commander of Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, ‘Gunners’ 3rd Field Artillery, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division out of Fort Bliss, Texas, agreed with his partner that even though nothing was found this mission was truly a success.

Gunner soldiers have been working closely with their IA partners and to see them plan and execute their own mission proves their abilities and also proves the growing relationship with the citizens in the area.

“The Iraqi Army has come a long way in a relatively short time there is not much more we can teach them so we observe to ensure they remember everything we taught them,” said Timmons, a Deming, N.M., native.

It is clear all of the hard work the IA has put into training and operations has paid off; the population understands who is here to help them no matter the situation, according to Mohammed.

• Date Taken: 06.23.2010
• Date Posted: 07.09.2010 03:35
• Story ID: 52567
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ