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Iraqi Soldiers connect with communities, people

In an effort to reduce terrorist activity, Iraqi and American Soldiers continue to conduct traffic control points and vehicle searches at checkpoints outside villages in the Mushada area as part of Operation Lofty Summit.

"It was determined that anti-Iraqi forces had found a sanctuary here," said Capt. Jake Wamsley, commander, Company C, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment. "In order to deny them sanctuary, it was decided to stick a patrol base right in the center of town and start searching traffic."

Coalition forces stage along with the 11th Special Infrastructure Battalion, a specialized Iraqi Army unit that protects the oil pipeline running from Bayji through Mushada, to points south of the region.

"We conduct patrols every 24 hours with four companies, protecting the pipeline, conducting patrols and checkpoints," said Maj. Aarf Ebraham, executive officer, 11th SIB. "We work for the Ministry of Defense and have the same army training as the regular army, but our job is only to protect the pipeline."

Elsewhere in the region, Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers conducted cordon and search missions with a primary goal of establishing connections within the community for collecting intelligence from the residents of Hawr Rajab, which is located south of Baghdad.

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, conducted security searches in the area while MND-B Soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, conducted an outer security cordon.

"We're hoping to establish future contacts to help us identify terrorist cells or threats in the area," said Capt. Jared Rudacille, commander, Compnay D, 1-22 Infantry Regiment.

He noted the importance of community relations, reassuring the people with a continued security presence, and reminding the locals of their own role in establishing stability.

"We're only as strong as you allow us to be," said Capt. Rudacille, to a man who offered refreshments to the Soldiers. "The people of Iraq have to fight together to bring peace and stability to this country."

The Iraqi man agreed and added that it is good to see a military presence, like patrols and the new Iraqi army checkpoint, so people can feel safer.

Restoration project benefits Al-Musharra residents

In other news, the residents of Al-Musharra are benefiting from the completion of a restoration project there.

The fire station in the Al-Amarah Province is now a fully-functioning, integral part of the community.

The renovation began Nov. 28, 2004, and was completed recently at a cost of $110,000. The project was funded by the Iraqi Relief and Reconstruction Fund and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Crumbling walls and floors, a polluted water storage tank and decayed roof tiles were just a few of the reconstruction problems.

New joists and wall supports, roof tiles and floor tiles were installed to bring vitality back to the building. New electrical, water, sewage and air conditioning systems were installed and a sleeping quarters, kitchen area and general use room were built to accommodate the nine fireman stationed there.

The station now provides vital fire detection and deterrence to more than 750,000 Al-Amarah residents.

Source: U.S. Department of State
Source: Multi-National Force-Iraq