1-68 Silver Lions Conduct Operation Barak

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Mark Wojciechowski | Pfc. Andrea Moore of 4th Infantry Division's HHC 1-68 Armor "Silver Lions," pulls security from the turrett of a Humvee during Operation Barak outside of Mukhisa, Iraq in Diyala, province.  

MUKHISA, IRAQ

05.15.2006

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Mark Wojciechowski 

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

MUKHISA, Iraq (April 23, 2006) " Locating an area for a new Iraqi police station is one more step toward the security and safety of the people of Iraq.

The initial phase of Operation Barak was to establish an area where an Iraqi Police station could be developed and show the people of Diyala Province that violence will not be tolerated.

Elements of the 1-68 Combined Arms Battalion "Silver Lions" rolled into an area that had not been patrolled by coalition forces in over a year.

Maj. John Digiambattista, the executive officer for the 1-68 CAB, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Band of Brothers and Colorado Springs, Colo., native explained, "They have had some rival violence with some of the other neighboring towns and by putting an IA presence here they will be able to provide them with security and also verify the reports we have had of the various types of terrorist activities and sectarian violence in this area."

Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Rimpley, the unit's top noncommissioned officer and Arnold, Neb., native said, "The initial phase of the operation was to scout an area out where we could fortify it for an Iraqi police station."

"This is more of a sphere of influence engagement with Iraqi army moving in, and then the Iraqi police," said Rimpley.

"The objective is to identify a piece of ground that can be secured and transition that base of operations to the Iraqi army and eventually to the Iraqi police," said Digiambattista.
"What that does is establish a source of legitimate governance and security for the people here."

With a new Iraqi police presence in this area of Diyala Province, the citizens of this area can feel safer about their daily living.

• Date Taken: 05.15.2006
• Date Posted: 05.15.2006 13:34
• Story ID: 6386
• Location: MUKHISA, IQ