Soldiers, Iraqi Police keep market safe

Photo By Sgt. Amanda White | BALAD RUZ, Iraq (Oct. 22, 2006) - A U.S. Soldier with 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry, 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, and local Iraqi police take a break during a patrol through the Baladruz marketplace, Oct. 24.  

BALAD, IRAQ

10.22.2006

Story by Sgt. Amanda White 

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

By Spc. Amanda D. Morrissey
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BALAD RUZ, Iraq (Oct. 22, 2006) - Soldiers from Forward Operating Base Caldwell, along with the support of local Iraqi police, patrolled the Balad Ruz marketplace Oct. 22 in response to recent hostilities in the city.

The marketplace is the stage where conflicts between the Sunni and the Shia have become common, said 2nd Lt. Kevin Gaspers, a platoon leader in Troop B, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment. The unit is part of 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, N.C.

"There's a lot of sectarian violence in the marketplace at night, much of it targeted against the Shia store owners," said Gaspers, who led the operation. "We believe it's a threat against the Shia store owners to push them out of the area."

"Our mission was to meet the locals and make our presence known, which we did," said Gaspers. "We were also looking to learn more about the attacks in the marketplace."

Capt. John Pratt of Company B, 404th Civil Affairs Battalion, a Reserve unit from Fort Dix, N.J., went with Gaspers to learn more about the situation in the marketplace. He also handed out flyers to shop owners about the united efforts of Iraqi Security Forces and Soldiers operating in the area.

As part of his job, Pratt works as a liaison with the Iraqi government and with the Iraqi Army and police on security issues in the city.

"We want to let the people know that the Iraqi Army and police are in charge of security in the Diyala province, and that the United States is here to support them to be victorious," said Pratt.

The mission was part of a combined effort to show the citizens of Balad Ruz that Iraqi forces have taken the lead in providing for their protection.

The assistance of the Iraqi police was important to the success of the mission, said Gaspers. Their knowledge of the city and its people was essential, and their presence helped encourage locals to talk with the Soldiers without feeling threatened, he said.

It was the first mission of its kind for Gaspers, and the first time the IP has gone on a mission with his troops. He said he was impressed with their willing cooperation and how well they did their job.

"I really enjoyed getting out and meeting the local people," said Gaspers. "Overall, I'd say the mission was a success."

• Date Taken: 10.22.2006
• Date Posted: 11.13.2006 12:26
• Story ID: 8251
• Location: BALAD, IQ