Iraqi Police in Kirkuk Deliver Propane

By Spc. Michael Pfaff, 133rd MPAD

A villager in the town of Amal Shabi near Kirkuk, Iraq stands over a new supply of propane, delivered by Iraqi police. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michael Pfaff

Kirkuk, Iraq - In the last wwek of February, the village of Amal Shabi was denied their normal supply of propane gas, essential to the people for many needs including heating and cooking.

Iraqi police in Kirkuk escorted the propane trucks to Amal Shabi, ensuring the citizens of this village received the much needed shipment. "Availability of propane has been an issue," said Iraqi police Sgt. Nawzad Ahmed Muhamed. "We want to help solve this issue."

The price for propane has increased exponentially over the course of the past month due to increases in gas prices and bootleggers taking advantage and selling it on the black market. Iraqi police and coalition forces believe that many times the bootleggers are the same drivers responsible for delivering the shipments. But, there's no way to know for sure because the gas is only tracked at the distribution plant.

"The propane comes up missing somewhere between being loaded on the trucks to be distributed and the trucks arriving at the villages," said 1st Lt. Andrew V. Salmo, first platoon leader B. Co., 2nd Battalion, 2-327th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.

After meeting with community leaders, Iraqi police and coalition forces planned a mission to escort a propane shipment to the village.

Kirkuk, Iraq - Pfc. Erik Regalado, a medic with first platoon of B Co., speaks with children standing in line with their families to receive their propane. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michael Pfaff

The Iraqi police escorted the propane to Amal Shabi, while coalition forces provided an additional security presence during the distribution of the propane.

"We're really just here to overlook," said Pfc. Erik Regalado, a medic with first platoon and native of Los Angeles, Calif. "The [Iraqi police] do most of the interaction with the people."

After the propane truck made it safely to the village with its full supply, locals lined up to receive their gas. Citizens are allotted a number of tickets to get propane.

Iraqi police supervised the distribution and then proceeded to meet and greet with the people of the village. Iraqi police Sgt. Muhamed believes that providing services to the people like this will help police build a rapport with locals to better serve them.

"We continue serving Iraqi people, especially in Kirkuk," said Muhamed. "If we solve this, there will be fewer problems and we develop a trust between the people and the police."

Kirkuk, Iraq - propane delivery. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michael Pfaff

Salmo said that he saw many months of training coming together on today's joint mission.

"Today was a big win for Iraqi police and Americans," Salmo said. "The Iraqi police are showing they are capable of doing it."

Muhamed said he is grateful for the assistance of the coalition forces because it helps the Iraqi police do their job; protecting and serving the people of Kirkuk.

As the Iraqi police continue to make progress, Muhamed said they want the people to know the police are here for them. "People can come to us and ask us for help. We'll do it immediately," Muhammed said.

   _   _