By Sgt. 1st Class Joe Thompson
41 Fires Brigade
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – Iraqi security forces and coalition forces leaders held a joint press conference, Aug. 18, 2008, to confirm the stable security situation in Wasit after the Georgian government redeployed the 1st Georgian Brigade.
"The security is very good, and we are conducting training and joint operations with the coalition forces," said Maj. Gen. Abed al-Haneen, Wasit Provincial Directorate of Police.
The Wasit Iraqi police and 32nd Iraqi Army Brigade accepted the challenges and additional responsibilities of an increased role in the security of Wasit province.
"We've sent a company to each checkpoint to train and live with the coalition forces," said Brig. Gen. Abed Jabir, 32nd IA Bde. commander.
The ISF and coalition forces had very little time to plan and execute the transition of checkpoints and patrol bases from the Georgians to ISF and coalition forces.
"The forces out in Wasit right now will be a professional force the Iraqis can be proud of," said Col. Richard M. Francey, Jr., 41st Fires Brigade commander.
"I say that based on what I've seen this ISF do. They're positive, professional, and they want to do a good job," said Francey.
The ISF were involved with the Diyala operation, which had a positive impact on the security of the province, said Jabir.
"We controlled the border between the two provinces, and we've been very successful at preventing smugglers from entering into Wasit," said Jabir.
The operations in Diyala did not affect the ISF's ability to react quickly and work with the coalition forces to maintain security throughout Wasit.
"Having the ISF at the checkpoints will not degrade any operation they are conducting," said Francey. "It will create a more flexible and professional force as we conduct joint operations from the checkpoints to other areas."
| Date Taken: |
08.18.2008 |
| Date Posted: |
08.21.2008 07:25 |
| Story ID: |
22724 |
| Location: |
AL KUT, IQ |
| Web Views: |
242 |
| Downloads: |
228 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
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