Photo By Sgt. Dustin Weidman | More than 50 families return to the Zaitun, west of Baghdad, Sept. 29, 2008, after...... read more read more
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By Cpl. Dustin Weidman
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division
BAGHDAD – The quiet village of Zaitun, inside Abu Ghraib, west of Baghdad, was crowded on Sept. 29, 2008, as more than 50 families returned home after violence forced them to leave just a few years ago.
"We are finally home," shouted a family member when he saw his house for the first time in more than three years.
The streets of Zaitun where lined with trucks, Iraqi news teams, Iraqi army soldiers from the 24th Brigade, 6th IA Division, Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, "Gimlets," Multi-National Division – Baghdad and the citizens of Abu Ghraib rejoicing with tears and shouting praise to Allah while welcoming their loved ones home.
According to Sheik Jalad Al-Din Al-Sagir, the head sheik for the Zaitun village, the return of these residents marks a time of rebuilding after years of intense fighting.
"This is particularly special as this is event is happening during the end of Ramadan, the Laylat al-Qadr period, the holiest month in the Muslim religion," he said.
Historically, Ramadan was a time of increased attacks by sectarian extremist groups in honor of Ramadan; nearly 800 attacks took place in 2006 across the Baghdad area and more than 500 attacks in 2007.
However, with the partnership of the Iraqi security force, local government and coalition forces that number has dropped more than 80 percent fewer attacks during Ramadan in 2008.
"This is a step forward for the Iraqi people and the Iraqi government. Those people have been waiting for a long time to come to their homes, and close that chapter of their lives," said Iraqi police Brig. Gen. Kareem, commanding officer of the Abu Ghraib district police.
It is because of increased security, that Iraq is making a national effort to help those displaced families return to their homes and help rebuild their communities.
"We, the Shurta, [Iraqi police] and the Jundi [Iraqi soldiers] with the help of the coalition forces worked very hard to ensure that the city is safe enough for the people to come back and start having normal lives," Kareem said. "We still have much to do, but this is a step in the right direction. God willing more displaced persons will follow, and bring prosperity to Abu Ghraib."
| Date Taken: | 10.09.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 10.09.2008 11:55 |
| Story ID: | 24741 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 148 |
| Downloads: | 129 |
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