Life at Joint Security Station Mushahida: Soldiers defend station from enemy attack

Photo By Spc. Matthew Mikolas | Spc. Sean Rukse of Company A, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, from Fort Lewis, Wash., watches palm groves to the southwest of Joint Security Station Mushahida, Iraq. Soldiers from Co. A, 4-9 Inf. took fire from these palm groves on the morning of Oct. 1.  

MUSHAHIDA, IRAQ

10.26.2007

Story by Pfc. Matthew Mikolas 

4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division

MUSHAHIDA, Iraq – Infantry Soldiers in and around Mushahida, Iraq, are working hard to make the area safer for the civilians in the village.

Troops from Company A, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, rotate between Camp Taji and Joint Security Station Mushahida, located about 10 kilometers to the northwest of Taji.

At Taji, the infantry Soldiers work to keep their area of operations clear of improvised explosive devices. Anytime a possible IED is reported in Able Company's territory, they assist an explosive ordnance disposal team to eliminate the threat.

At Joint Security Station Mushahida, the Soldiers work with an Iraqi police station. The infantry company shares it with the officers, using it as a springboard for security missions in the area around Mushahida. Most days, troops from the 10th Mountain Division's 543rd Military Police Company come out and work with the Iraqi police, trying to increase the officer's level of productivity and skill.

"We have IPs work hand in hand with the MPs," said Fire Support Officer Capt. Adam Payne. "Our job is to assist them in that."

Often the troops from 4-9 Inf. will go out into the village and talk with the civilians, asking them if they have seen any suspicious activity. The Soldiers frequently speak with a man named Abdullah, who is a high school teacher in Mushahida.

"He's the voice of the town," said 1st Lt. Daniel Lowe, platoon leader for 3rd Platoon, Company A. "He doesn't hold an official position, but has a lot of pull with the people."

Abdullah grew up in the area and has a vested interest in seeing terrorism in the village come to an end. The English teacher lost his wife and almost lost his son in a sniper attack and mortar attack, respectively.

"I have sacrificed too much," Abdullah said. "Still, I will continue sacrificing for the new Iraq."

Abdullah's continued open relationship with coalition forces opened the door for communication between the villagers and Soldiers. The people use Abdullah as a liaison between themselves and the Soldiers, informing him of possible threats in the area. Abdullah then relays the information to the troops. The 48-year-old school teacher said if the area becomes secure, he will be proud of cooperating with the Soldiers.

Lowe, a platoon leader in Able Company, said civilians working with Soldiers has reduced violence in the area.

There is still a lot of work left to be done in Mushahida to ensure the security of the village, Lowe said. However, he remains hopeful and believes that if people continue to step up and speak out against terrorists in the area, Mushahida will become a permanently secure area.

• Date Taken: 10.26.2007
• Date Posted: 10.26.2007 12:59
• Story ID: 13359
• Location: MUSHAHIDA, IQ