Photo By Michael Molinaro | FOB KALSU, Iraq -- Gen Razzak, Kerbala provincial police chief, and Col. John Tully,...... read more read more
By Cpl. Michael Molinaro
2nd BCT PAO, 4ID
FOB KALSU, Iraq - Securing Iraq is a major task for the Government of Iraq and its security forces. Making its residents and guests feel safe is a demanding job for any government.
Arba"een, a Shi"a religious holiday that attracts five to six million pilgrims from all over the Middle East to the city of Kerbala, is currently taking place. Leaders from the Iraqi government and security forces met with Coalition Forces leaders during the past week to discuss security procedures and to see for themselves how the plan is working.
Col. John Tully, commander, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, held security meetings Thursday in Kerbala with Akil al-Khazali, the governor of the Kerbala province, and Gen. Razzak, Kerbala provincial police chief.
"We have had a great relationship with Coalition Forces in the past, and the good feelings toward each other continue," said al-Khazali.
It was the first meeting between Tully and al-Khazali since the Warhorse brigade assumed Kerbala and the surrounding provinces as its area of responsibility. The two leaders spoke at great length on security for the holiday.
The threat of terrorism and sectarian violence has made securing the area for the participants a major challenge, said al-Khalazi. Some Iraqis walk as much as 600 kilometers along the roads to Kerbala to take part in the festival. Ensuring their safety and making them feel comfortable in the province is a top priority.
"Iraqi Security Forces have clearly taken the lead in providing security for the Arba"een," Tully said. "We are here to support them if they ask."
The majority of those making the pilgrimage stay in close proximity of the Hussein shrine downtown, one of the most revered shrines in the Shi"a religion. The area could become a target for violence.
"My forces are well-prepared to secure the festival," said Razzak.
Kerbala has been relatively peaceful for some time now. As an example, more than 100 Sunni families from Fallujah settled in Kerbala recently to feel safe, said al-Khalazi. The province lives as one family, regardless of religious or tribal affiliation.
The hope is that Iraq can move past the recent violence and Sunnis and Shi"a can work together, Tully said. Kerbala is a shining example of that.
Razzak said he has held several meetings in the past few days with his officers on how to stick to their duties and deter terrorist threats. So far, few crimes have been reported.
Coalition Forces have provided aerial support in the area, and ISF from surrounding provinces have been brought in to aid in the security for those walking.
Security looked very good on the roads from Musayib to Kerbala, said Tully. ISF were checking cars for anything suspicious, and there were plenty of tents and water provided for travel-weary pilgrims to use.
"The plan looks very good," he said. "I have no doubt that the ISF will provide the needed security to allow the pilgrims to enjoy their holiday."
| Date Taken: | 03.20.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 03.20.2006 11:53 |
| Story ID: | 5777 |
| Location: | ISKANDARIYAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 71 |
| Downloads: | 25 |
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