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MND-B Deputy Commander Comments on Security in Baghdad

By Pfc. Samantha Schutz

Journalists from local and western media outlets take notes during a press conference by Brig. Gen. Mike Milano, a native of Fort Carson, Colo., who serves as the deputy commanding general for the 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, at the Baghdad media engagement center at Forward Operating Base Prosperity, Feb. 23. Milano discussed and answered questions about MND-B and Iraqi security forces' progress throughout the past week.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE PROSPERITY, Iraq - Iraqi Security Forces and the Sons of Iraq, along with Coalition Forces, continue to see success in the fight against anti-Iraqi groups in Baghdad, said Brig. Gen. Mike Milano, a native of Fort Carson, Colo., who serves as the deputy commanding general for the 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, during a press conference at the Baghdad media engagement center here, Feb. 23.

The conference, which included both local and western media, gave Milano a chance to address concerns and answer questions about recent issues, events and progress in the MND-B area.

Violence in Baghdad has shown a steady decrease in conjunction with the increase of the capabilities of the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police, Milano said. In partnership with the Iraq Security Forces, MND-B Soldiers have detained 178 al-Qaeda in Iraq and 198 special group operatives since Dec. 19, 2007. At least a third of these operatives were senior leaders picked up in meticulous operations.

Brig. Gen. Mike Milano, a native of Fort Carson, Colo., who serves as the deputy commanding general for the 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, speaks during a press conference at the Baghdad media engagement center at Forward Operating Base Prosperity, Feb. 23. Milano discussed and answered questions about MND-B and Iraqi Security Forces' progress throughout the past week.

While Milano confirmed that MND-B has a plan to reduce its forces in the near future, he said the ability of the Iraqi Security Forces is increasing.

"We plan to increase the number of Iraqi Police by 12,600 this year," said Milano. "4900 (Iraqi Police) have already been hired."

Milano also commended Maquada al-Sadr's decision to extend the freeze of Jaisch al Mahdi activity in Sadr City, clarifying the decision was supported, but not influenced, by MND-B or Coalition Forces.

Brig. Gen. Mike Milano, a native of Fort Carson, Colo., who serves as the deputy commanding general for the 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, addresses a group of journalists during a press conference at the Baghdad media engagement center at Forward Operating Base Prosperity, Feb. 23. Milano discussed and answered questions about MND-B and Iraqi security forces' progress throughout the past week.

"We believe this decision brings a continued calming effect on the security situation here in Iraq's capital city," Milano said of the freeze extension.

"We want to emphasize that Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces are only targeting those who commit criminal or terrorist acts, and we will continue to treat those who honor the ceasefire agreement with respect and restraint," said Milano, when asked if JAM extremists will still be targeted by security forces.

As MND-B focuses on its strong partnership with ISF, Milano said his main focus is on the improvement of local governments and economies. He strives to improve the delivery of essential services such as water and electricity as well as create more job opportunities to return a sense of normalcy to the citizens of Baghdad.