‘Longknife’ Sqdn., IFP partner to deter terrorism in Baghdad

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Amin, with the 7th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Federal Police Division, searches a suspicious individual while soldiers with A Troop, 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division-Center, pull security in Baghdad, May 18. With the expected drawdown of U.S. forces from Iraq on the horizon, local Iraqi Security Forces such as the 2nd IFP Division are readying themselves to continue the mission without the presence of U.S. troops. (U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Devin Osburn, 2nd AAB, 1st Inf. Div., USD-C)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

05.18.2011

Courtesy Story

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs

Story by: 2nd Lt. Devin Osburn

BAGHDAD— Soldiers with the 5th “Longknife” Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center, recently partnered with members of the Iraqi Federal Police to patrol areas of Baghdad with the potential for terrorist activity.

These joint patrols have become a major focus of the Longknife Squadron’s mission.

Working with the IFP, Longknife soldiers have provided increased security in a number of neighborhoods in Baghdad, including the area around Baghdad International Airport.

These joint security measures have shown to be effective in deterring violence.

“Since the beginning of security patrols around BIAP, we have seen a decrease in enemy activity,” said 1st Lt. Michael Sprigg, a troop intelligence support team officer with 5th Squadron and a Norton, Kan., native. “This is largely due to the ISF [Iraqi Security Forces] presence and joint patrols in the Radwaniyah area.”

During these missions with Iraqi police members, Longknife soldiers also try to gain information that could be used to help prevent future violence.

“Since the patrols began, the Iraqi Federal Police and United States forces have found a significant amount of weaponry, which helps them identify where the attacks are originating,” said Sprigg.

As the expected drawdown of U.S. forces from Iraq approaches, members of local ISF such as the 2nd Iraqi Federal Police Division are preparing for when they will need to continue this mission without the presence of U.S. troops.

With the knowledge gained from training while working alongside 5th Squadron soldiers, many Iraqi police feel ready to do their part.

“It is our job to protect the people of our country, and we will bring those to justice that want to cause them harm,” said Sgt. Haidar with the 2nd IFP Division.

• Date Taken: 05.18.2011
• Date Posted: 05.24.2011 02:49
• Story ID: 70932
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ