Photo By Maj. Philip Crabtree | Bright future: An Iraqi girl dances and sings with her classmates during a formal...... read more read more
MOSUL, Iraq — Three years ago, Iraqi leaders in Ninewa province established the Ninewa Operations Command, and since then, efforts of Iraqi Security Forces in the region led to greater security and visible progress for residents in Mosul and throughout the province.
To announce the great strides made since 2008, the Ninewa Operations Command celebrated both security successes and hope for the future, April 19, by featuring a photo gallery illustrating progress seen throughout Ninewa.
“People have made the ultimate sacrifice—have given their lives—for Ninewa,” said Maj. Gen. David Perkins, commanding general of U.S. Division-North and 4th Infantry Division.
There has been significant, visible progress across Ninewa in recent years, Perkins added.
Perkins served as the keynote speaker for U.S. forces at the event, which included more than 300 guests, featuring tribal sheikhs, the Ninewa Police Directorate, Iraqi army soldiers, a provincial government delegation, and U.S. soldiers assigned to the 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, who partnered with the NiOC to advise, train and assist ISF in their operations.
“There has been slow progress here, but progress nonetheless,” said Lt. Col. Ra’ad, commander of 2nd Battalion, 7th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division. “Now the main streets, buildings and neighborhoods are secure.”
Speeches, poetry and performances by schoolchildren celebrated the improvements seen by residents in recent years. Throngs of proud spectators crowded the auditorium, filling all the seats and spilling into the aisles.
“This is an outstanding event which clearly communicates the strength of the Iraqi security forces and the provincial leadership,” said Lt. Col. John Strange, commander of Task Force Sword, 4th AAB, 1st Cavalry Division, a stability and transition team partnered with the Iraqi army in Ninewa.
Following the formal portion of the program, attendees toured the photo gallery, which included more than 100 images showcasing the progress made since 2008.
“The Iraqi peoples’ faith is well placed in their security forces and its leadership,” said Strange, a native of Leavenworth, Kan. “I continue to remain impressed with the Ninewa Operations Command and especially the leadership of its commander, staff Lt. Gen. Hassan. He continues to recognize the accomplishments of each of his Iraqi security forces as he fosters teamwork among them. The future of Iraq is a bright one.”
Part of the progress Ninewa has experienced came about through a strong partnership between the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police, 3rd Federal Police, and the U.S. Army. Soldiers assigned to the 4th AAB, 1st Cavalry Division, are currently partnered with 3rd Iraq Army Division to train infantry battalions at the Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, part of an Iraqi Ground Forces Command initiative called Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic for all-inclusive training.
During training cycles at GWTC, located south of Mosul, “Long Knife” Brigade soldiers have trained more than 2,000 Iraqi soldiers in light infantry tactics since January. The training lasts approximately one month and is designed to modernize the Iraqi units, making them a more capable force for security throughout the province.
Perkins praised the efforts of the ISF and offered an optimistic view of the future to Ninewa citizens attending the ceremony.
“Once you dedicate yourselves to owning Ninewa, there’s nothing the terrorists can do,” Perkins said. “We know progress will continue. The best days of Ninewa are yet to come.”
| Date Taken: | 04.19.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 04.23.2011 04:55 |
| Story ID: | 69227 |
| Location: | MOSUL, IQ |
| Web Views: | 103 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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