Operation Sabre Tempest proves beneficial for Sons of Iraq

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Mark Albright | A Son of Iraq manager informs the Iraqi police and coalition forces of the checkpoints abilities and condition, June 12, 2008. The SoI's are manning the checkpoints to provide better secuirty for the area south of Balad Ruz.  

BALAD, IRAQ

10.02.2008

Story by Staff Sgt. Mark Albright 

14th Public Affairs Detachment

By Sgt Mark Albright
14th Public Affairs Detachment

BALAD RUZ, Iraq- The Sons of Iraq manage their village's security checkpoints, coordinate with the Iraqi police and have learned to be less reliant on coalition forces for protection. Operation Sabre Tempest troops from the 4th Platoon, Fox Troop, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, ensure the development of the SoI by monitoring the progress with patrols.

Operation Sabre Tempest pushed the Al Qaida in Iraq out of the area south of Balad Ruz and has empowered the local citizens to protect themselves from any further threat from these terrorists. Now the citizens can take over their own security.

"I think this is much more efficient in securing the villages here or anywhere in Iraq," said Sgt. Sancho Burlaza, Section Sergeant, 4th Platoon, Fox Troop, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment

"I am very happy to be working with the Iraqi police. We are happy to work together," said Amahed Jasam, local SoI manager in the Balad Ruz area.

"Our mission today was a joint dismount patrol with the Iraqi police to assist the SoI's of any points given by the IP's," said Sgt. 1st Class Jose Sierra, Platoon Sergeant, 4th Platoon, Fox Troop, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.

The SoI's of the region run their own security and check points and if any security issues occur they contact the IP's. The process is still ongoing, but the SoI members are protecting their own streets, said Sierra.

The SoI's a moving to the next step in their training. They are past the beginning phase and are taking on more responsibility, said Sierra.

SoI members have grasped the training that the IP's have given them and are not just here for the money. The members take pride in their village and know it will benefit them in the long run, said Sierra.

• Date Taken: 10.02.2008
• Date Posted: 10.02.2008 03:44
• Story ID: 24397
• Location: BALAD, IQ