Published by Multi-National Force - Iraq September 28, 2005Vol. 1, No. 7

Top StoriesUnderstand Ramadan Page 2

Constitutional referendum astep forward in democracy,Page 3

National Depot ramps uptraining, supply efforts, Page 4

Sadr City residents seeprogress every day, Page 4

Heroes of the Week, Page 5

Coalition detains 10 suspected terrorists inBaghdad raids, Page 7

Iraqi Security Forces operations this week, Page 8

Coalition operationsacross Iraq, Page 9

Coalition prepares IraqiArmy to take control ofFOB, Page 11

IraqisTakingtheLead:photosfromaround the country Page 12

U.S. Army photo by Maj. Roland Miraco Jr.With the holy month of Ramadan approaching, Multi-National Forces, incoordination with the Iraqi government held accelerated release boards,releasing approximately 500 security detainees from Abu Ghraib on Sept.26. Another 500 security detainees are projected to be released this weekas part of the accelerated release board process.

Heading home from Abu Ghraib ...

Al Qaida in Iraq’s Emir of Baghdadkilled during joint operation

The second most wanted al Qaidaterrorist in Iraq, Abu Azzam, is

dead. Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces, in a

joint operation in Baghdad, killedAbdallah Najim Abdallah Muhammad al-Juwari, otherwise known as Abu Azzam,Abu Selwah, and Wissam, the al Qaida inIraq (AQIZ) Emir of Baghdad, at approx-imately 4:50 a.m. Sunday.

Multiple sources including corroboratinginformation from a close associate of Abu

Azzam ledCoalition andIraqi SecurityForces to the ter-rorist safe housewhere the AQIZleader was hiding.During the jointoperation, securi-ty forces raidedthe location withthe intent of cap-

turing the wanted terrorist. Azzam fired on

Abu Azzam

By Multi-National Force - Iraq

See Abu Azzam, Page 3

This Week in IraqPage 2 September 28, 2005

Editor.......................................................Staff Sgt. Brett B. McMillan

Assistant Editor.............................................Staff Sgt. Nick Minecci

Command Information NCOIC...Master Sgt. Michele R. Hammonds

This Week in Iraq is an authorized publication produced by Multi-National Force- Iraq. Contents are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the U.S. Government or DoD.The editorial content is not the responsibility of the Public Affairs Office of the Multi-National Force -Iraq. Questions and comments should be directed to the editor at MNFInewsletter@iraq.centcom.mil.

brett.mcmillan@iraq.centcom.mil

nicholas.minecci@iraq.centcom.mil

michele.hammonds@iraq.centcom.mil

MNF-I Commanding GeneralGen. George W. Casey Jr.

Combined Press Information CenterDirectorLt. Col. Steven A. Boylansteven.boylan@iraq.centcom.mil

Command Information ChiefMaj. Patricia C. Andersonpatricia.anderson@iraq.centcom.mil

Ramadan, the ninth month ofthe Islamic calendar, repre-

sents one of the most significantannual events for all Muslims andcommemorates the revelation ofthe Quran to Mohammed.

Ramadan is a time for reflec-tion, inner control and charity.Ramadan is characterized byMuslims expending lesseffort on routine tasks andcommitting more timetoward prayer, family andthe wider community.

As one of the five pillarsof Islam, all Muslims areexpected to undertake fast-ing during Ramadan.Abstinence from food, drinking,smoking and sexual activitybetween sunrise and sunset isdemanded from all Muslimsexcept the ill, those traveling,young children and pregnantwomen.

All Muslims are expected topray five times a day duringRamadan: sunrise, noon, 2:30 to 3p.m., sunset and late evening. Thenights of glory, Oct. 23, 25, 27and 31, may see extended prayerperiods in the evening, and on thenight of power, Nov. 3 and 5,many pray all night as one prayeris perceived to be equivalent to1,000 prayers.

Each evening the daily fastingis broken with a prayer and a

meal, known as the Iftar, afterwhich Muslims customarily visitfamily and friends.

During Ramadan work contin-ues, although some Muslims onlywork for a half day, devotingmore time to praying and study-ing the Quran.

The requirement to fast duringdaylight hours can result inincreased fatigue and frustration.Increased traffic in urban areas islikely each day just prior to sun-set as many travel home to pre-pare Iftar, or the evening meal.

There is likely to be increasedmovement after dark in most areasbased on increased social interac-tion and attendance at prayers.

Disrespect of Ramadan ritualsby Coalition Forces membersmay invoke verbal or physicalresponses. Eating, drinking orsmoking in front of Muslims dur-ing daylight hours or preventingnight movement to mosques forprayers are likely to be perceivedas offensive. Education ofCoalition Forces members willreduce the potential for this typeof incident. If eating or drinkingin proximity to Muslims cannotbe avoided or is essential, mostMuslims will accept the circum-stances.

Ramadan is character-ized by Muslims ... com-

mitting more time towardprayer, family and the

wider community.

Muslims believe that duringthe month of Ramadan

around 610 A.D. Allah revealed thefirst verses of the Quran, the holybook of Islam. For more than a bil-lion Muslims around the worldRamadan is a “month of blessing”marked by prayer, fasting andcharity.

Next week the month of blessingbegins. In addition to the month-long observance, many detailsabout the future of Iraq will beginto take shape both for the Coalition Forces and theIraqi people. The Iraqi people have two more weeks tostudy and debate the constitution. On Oct. 15 Iraqisvoters will head to the polls and vote on the ratificationof their constitution.

Although Ramadan is a peaceful period for most ofthe Muslims, there are those who will want to takeadvantage of the holiday. Unfortunately, there is a pre-dictable spike in violence around critical times in thedemocratic process. We have witnessed it in the pastduring critical events such as the January elections …and it will most likely happen during Ramadan.Terrorists have declared war on the Shias and againstevery Iraqi that wants to have a say in his or her future.

Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition Forces and the Iraqigovernment stand together to ensure Iraqis have achoice, a choice they have not made in decades, whileterrorists want to kill anyone opposed to their radicalviews. The difference could not be more clear.

To the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, I urgevigilance. To the brave Iraqi people, have a peacefulRamadan and vote for your future.

Gen. George W.Casey Jr.

By Gen. George W. Casey, Jr.Multi-National Force - Iraq Commanding General

Remain vigilantduring Ramadan

UnderstUnderstand Ramadanand RamadanBy Australian Royal AirForce Sqd. Ldr. Jason BriggsMulti-National Force - Iraq

Strategic Effects

This Week in IraqPage 3 September 28, 2005

security forces, who immediatelyreturned fire, killing him.

Azzam was located in a residen-tial high-rise building in Baghdad.Iraqi and Coalition Forces quicklysurrounded the area and identified theterrorist’s apartment. Upon entry tothe apartment, security forces foundtwo women and then took fire fromtwo men in an adjacent room. Securityforces immediately returned fire,killing one terrorist and woundinganother. The women were unharmedin the firefight.

Security forces departed the location with all personnel directlyaffiliated with the terrorist and his safe house. The identity of thekilled terrorist was confirmed as Azzam within a few hours.

Azzam personally directed and controlled all terrorist activi-ty and operations in Baghdad, and was responsible for therecent vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED)attacks, which killed hundreds of innocent Iraqis.

Those attacks were executed under his direction and orders.Azzam was the operational commander and the gatekeeper forAQIZ.

Recently captured terrorists have said Azzam was as impor-tant, if not more so, than Abu Musab al Zarqawi. As Zarqawi

continues to run and hide throughout Iraq, Azzam providedboth misguided spiritual (false Jihad) and operational directionand controlled all finances for AQIZ. He would allocate moniesto the various sub-organizations and personnel within the AQIZnetwork. While Zarqawi’s name has widespread recognition,that same notoriety causes him to keep a low profile, onlyallowing him to operate, coordinate and conduct meetingswhile on the run from Iraqi and Coalition Forces. Azzam hadrecently filled the operational void created by Zarqawi’s inabil-ity to lead his network personally.

As the number two al Qaida terrorist in Iraq, Azzam had aclose personal connection with Zarqawi, who trusted himimplicitly to direct the operations of the terrorist network.

A recently captured AQIZ member reported that Azzamwanted to meet on numerous occasions with Zarqawi, but themost wanted terrorist would not allow it, most likely due to therisk of Zarqawi’s capture. Allegedly Zarqawi stated that Azzamwas too important to the network to risk a meeting, accordingto the detainee.

Now that the Emir of Baghdad is dead, a leadership vacuumhas been created, albeit temporarily. Azzam is one of severalAQIZ emirs of Baghdad who have been captured or killed overthe past two years by Iraqi and Coalition Forces.

Information on terrorists, foreign fighters, and former regimemembers may be reported by calling the nationwide tips hotline at130 (within Baghdad) and 01-130 (outside of Baghdad).

Constitutional referendum a step forward in democracy

What does the birth of liberty looklike? U.S. citizens know from our

own history that it is not pretty; it is vio-lent, and it is ugly. But the end result,securing the liberty of a people, is a nobleeffort for any nation to undertake.

Thomas Jefferson said, “We are not toexpect to be translated from despotism toliberty in a feather bed.” The Iraqi peopleunderstand this and do not expect this tobe an easy process. They daily risk theirlives and the lives of their families withthe sole hope of giving freedom to theirchildren.

Today, the Iraqi ConstitutionalReferendum is about two weeks away. OnOct. 15 the people of Iraq will decide in a

national election whether to accept orreject their proposed Constitution. Thereare still unresolved issues, and much likeour own constitutional history, there areheated debates and disagreements.However, this is democracy in action anda healthy part of the process. Coalition

Forces have seen influential religiousleaders who once took up arms against us,now embracing and focusing their effortson the political process. During this land-mark period, Multi-National Force - Iraqstands ready to provide security assistancewhile the Government of Iraq leads theway to the referendum.

In the face of serious threats from ter-rorists and foreign insurgents, the peopleof Iraq fight for freedom through thepower of the vote. If the referendum pass-es, general elections to seat a permanentgovernment will follow. If it fails, elec-tions to seat another Transition NationalAssembly to write another Constitutionwill follow. Whatever the outcome of thevote may be, Iraqi Security Forces, withsupport from Coalition Forces, will con-tinue to provide security to the Iraqi peo-ple so that their voice may be heard.

By U.S. Navy Lt. Stephen HartmanMulti-National Force - Iraq

U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Alan D. MonyelleIraqi Army Security Forces, withassistance from U.S. Soldiers, pro-vide security for the Tall Afar area.

Abu Azzamfrom page 1

Abu Azzam

Approximately 8,800 in the Najaf Province have access to potable water follow-ing the completion of two water treatment units.

This Week in IraqPage 4 September 28, 2005

Sadr City residents see progress every day

BAGHDAD — Sadr City residents saythey are definitely seeing a difference asnearly $86.5 million in infrastructureimprovements have been completed, withan additional $246 million ongoing.

Local citizens report their sewers areworking, unlike last year when all the liftstations were inoperable with brokenpumps, water pressure is better, and theyare seeing electric lines going up.

Lt. Col. Jamie Gayton, commander of the2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, BrigadeTroops Battalion, is overseeing the work andsays he couldn’t accomplish the mission with-out the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Gayton pointed out USACE establishedan office at Forward Operating BaseLoyalty, and they work together daily.

The first step in the process is meetingwith local Iraqi leaders to determine whichprojects are priorities for the community.

“We talk to municipal authorities to

understand exactly how each proposedproject fits into the big scheme for them,”Gayton said. “Then we turn it over to theCorps who go out and make an assessmentof what needs to be done.”

Gayton also appreciates that USACE hashired local Iraqi engineers who regularlyvisit the sites to provide quality assurance.

“What I see in the future is for USACEto continue gradually raising the number ofIraqi local nationals who are doing theengineering aspects out there, so it’s actingalmost as a transition for us,” he said.

“I see this as a transition process fromreconstruction being a military-led opera-tion, to being a Corps of Engineers-ledoperation, and then to being an Iraqi-ledoperation. When we first arrived ... resi-dents were allowing people to come in todo work, but they weren’t embracing them.

“Over the past eight months, since wereally got in and started doing some goodprojects, they see the results and the differ-ence has been incredible.

“As we drive through neighborhoodsnow, people are waving, smiling, cheer-ing,” he said.

Gayton said his battalion’s first prioritywas cleaning up the trash and sewage thatfilled Sadr City’s streets. “We immediatelyreinforced the trash removal program start-ed by the 1st Cavalry Division, as well asrenovated the sewage system.

“We continued refurbishing all the sewerlift stations, unclogged the sewer lines, andrepaired the sewage line breaks,” he said.

“Now when I ask residents, ‘Are youfeeling better off than you were last year,’they smile and say ‘yes.’”

Story and photo by Norris JonesGulf Region Central DistrictU.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Lt. Col. Jamie Gayton (right), com-mander, 2nd Bgde., 3rd Inf. Div.,Brigade Troops Bn., tours Sadr City.

National Depot ramps uptraining, supply efforts

TAJI – Since operations began in May,the Taji National Depot has completedroughly 500 missions by ground and in theair to move equipment and materials to IraqiArmed Forces units throughout the country.

“The volume of inventory that passesthrough the Depot is ramping up daily,”said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Levonda Selph, theDepot’s Coalition commander. Her counter-part, Iraqi Lt. Col. Mohomud, commandsthe Iraqi side of the operation. The tempowill continue to increase with the hiring ofa convoy security and truck fleet dedicatedto moving shipments to the units, she said.

With Iraqi Soldiers, contractors andU.S. Soldiers, the Depot is responsible forsupplying the logistic needs of 10 divi-sions of the Iraqi Armed Forces, alongwith regional base support units. Items

ranging from weaponsand body armor to ambu-lances and pickup trucksare managed by theDepot, which Selphdescribes as a strategic-level operation and theonly one of its kind in Iraq.

In addition to moving supplies andequipment, the Depot’s mission alsoincludes training Iraqi soldiers to operateand maintain it. Iraq’s Ministry of Defensehas jurisdiction over the Depot, with over-sight from Multi-National SecurityTransition Command - Iraq (MNSTC-I).

Preparation for operations began inMarch with the renovation of nine ware-houses and an office building. An invento-ry management system called Exceed wasalso established; a private contractor nowmanages the system.

Since then, 11 more warehouses havebeen renovated. Construction of a loadingdock was completed last month. In three

months, the Depot shipped more than 850vehicles of various types.

Ongoing projects include creating a liv-ing area for Iraqi soldiers assigned to theDepot, installing a water and sewage sys-tem and building a dining facility.

Story and photos by Sgt. Lorie JewellMulti-National Security TransitionCommand - Iraq Public Affairs

The depot manages the distributionof all types of equipment and sup-plies headed to the ISF, includingthese ambulances.

An Iraqi Soldier assigned to the Taji National Depotmoves a load of supplies to a warehouse.

This Week in IraqPage 5 September 28, 2005

HHeroes of the Week

HHeroes of the Week

MOSUL — A young Iraqi officer demon-strated innovative thinking during a recenttraining exercise at Al Kisik, an Iraqi-con-trolled military facility near Mosul.

2nd Lt. Yasen Taha Fatah, a platoon leaderin the 3rd Motorized TransportationRegiment, showed surprising skill in a simu-lated convoy exercise, U.S. advisors said.

In response to a scenario where his platoonhad to clear an intersection, Yasen had histroops dismount to secure the area. When asniper attacked, he had the dismounted troopspull back into the vehicles, then flanked and suppressed theattacker. Both times, Yasen acted in ways he had not been taught.

“They kept throwing drills at him,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt.Van Wheeler, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the 3rdMTR Military Training Team (MiTT), “and every drill theythrew at him, he beat.”

“Most advisors would agree that the majority ofleaders going through this training reacted as theywere instructed and according to the applicable battledrill,” said U.S. Army Maj. Mark Chitwood, anadvisor to the 3rd MTR in an e-mail. “What sets Lt.Yasen apart is that he … did not merely react, hethought the situation through to the end. As his advi-sor, it was quite exciting to see this capability inhim.”

Chitwood continued, “Without hesitation, I wouldtake a convoy into the heart of Baghdad with Lt.Yasen. Though he is still learning, he has all the abil-ities required to lead men into harm’s way and makesound decisions.”

Chitwood added that Yasen’s leadership has earnedthe respect of his troops.

“Of all the lieutenants, I feel he receives the most respect fromthe Soldiers of his platoon, company and regiment. He is matureand has a great ability to make calm, rational decisions duringtimes of stress. ... Lt. Yasen has the ability to shift betweenleader, mentor and counselor with his Soldiers, and they knowthat. The Soldiers trust him.”

LOGISTICAL SUPPORT AREAANACONDA — The first thing thatstruck Sgt. Maj. Tyron McCormack aboutIraq was that kids were walking aroundbarefoot in 120 degree weather.

So when friends and family asked himwhether there was anything he wantedthem to send him, he asked for shoes forthe kids. His friends and family fromPhillips County, Kan., began to send himover 600 pairs of children’s shoes.

Eleven months later, as he returned tohis hometown of Agra, Kan.,McCormack, operations sergeant majorfor the 917th Corps Support Group, saidhis small humanitarian operation turnedinto a life-altering experience.

“I can leave Iraq feeling like I made a

small difference,” he said. “I feel like Itouched a few people’s lives.”

More than a few, said Dr. MuhammedIsmael Ahmad, a medical doctor and localleader with whom McCormack has devel-oped a close working relationship.According to Ahmad, McCormack’s opera-tions reached 2,000 to 3,000 Iraqis.

“And I’m using a conservative num-ber,” Ahmad said in a letter of apprecia-tion to McCormack.

He noted that McCormack had evolvedinto the equivalent of a Sheik, or townleader.

McCormack said that after taking theshoes out to the kids, people began askinghow else they could help.

At home, his friend Roberta Quanz ofPhillips County, spread the word to localorganizations and individuals who senthim boxes upon boxes of supplies.

Meanwhile, other Soldiers at Q-West

also called home and had supplies sent toMcCormack.

Within weeks of distributing shoes,McCormack had built a warehouse ofgoods for the Iraqis that included boxes ofcandy, toys, school supplies, clothing andmedical supplies.

McCormack plans to continue workingwith non-governmental organizations athome to get supplies to Soldiers in Iraq,so that they can deliver them to villages.

Iraqi officer shows innovation in leadershipBy Pfc. Spencer Case207th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Coalition Hero helps Iraqi childrenBy Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda207th Mobile Public AffairsDetachment

Photo courtesy of the 917th CSGSgt. Maj. Tyron McCormack deliverstoys and school supplies to localchildren near Q-West.

Courtesy photoIraq Army 2nd Lt. YasenTaha Fatah.

This Week in IraqPage 6 September 28, 2005

Coalition Partners

AD DIWANIYAH — Although caringfor sick and injured Soldiers is the primaryfunction for military doctor’s here, theyalso provide medical assistance to Iraqicivilians whenever they can.

Last week doctors from Multi-NationalDivision - Central South helped 100 Iraqisin need of assistance. Since arriving in IraqMND-CS doctors have helped more than10,000 Iraqi people, with about 70 percentof the patients being children.

“We help in many different cases. Someof the most difficult surgeries we have per-formed include working on Iraqis woundedin terrorist attacks,” said Polish military

doctors from Camp Echo, here. “But we also, every week see many

patients with bronchitis, pneumonia, burnsand injuries. Our everyday mission is tohelp them. Since the beginning of this year

we have conducted over 100 sur-geries, mostly orthopedists,” saidPolish doctors.

The Ukrainian medical companyof the 81st Task Force, stationed inWasit province, devotes a signifi-cant amount of their time andresources every day treating localIraqis at Camp Delta in Al Kut.

To the majority of Iraqi patients,the help takes place at a checkpointwhere they can be seen immediate-ly, but in more severe cases localsare given treatment in the 81st Task

Force medical facility, a hospital run by themedical company.

The Ukrainian military doctors have suc-cessfully conducted more than 92 surgeriessince their rotation began.

Coalition doctors see 100 patients per weekBy Lt. Cmdr. Bartosz ZajdaMulti-National Division Central -South Public Information Office

Courtesy photoPolish doctors from MND-CS perform sur-gery on an Iraqi patient.

SURREY, ENGLAND — One ofthe last Wilkinson Swords of Peace tobe awarded was presented to theBritish Army at Gibraltar Barracks,Surrey, on Monday to the Joint ForceExplosive Ordnance Disposal Groupin Iraq.

The Group disposes of unexplodedmunitions, provides an emergencyresponse team and mine awarenessbriefing teams for military and localcommunities.

The Force also plays a majorhumanitarian role in southern Iraq.Members conduct various dangeroustasks, including the disposal of a half

million items of unexploded ord-nance. The group crossed into Iraq onMarch 20, 2003, ahead of British unitsand as part of the U.S. Marine Corpsoperation to seize the oil fields.

Local community projects werealso initiated by the group in partner-ship with the United Nations office. Inaddition, a 120-mile sponsored run insouthern Iraq raised money for thechildren of three Soldiers killed inaction.

The citation states that the groupmade a real difference to the conductof military operations as well as to thelocal population of Iraq.

Sword of Peace awarded

AL SULAMANIYA — The U.S.Department of Justice recently graduated 19Iraqis from a training course at ForwardOperating Base Stone.

These trainers will be responsible for train-ing 150 more Iraqis who will work as guardsat the new Theater Internment Facility, FortSuse. Construction at Fort Suse is expected tobe complete by the middle of October, andthe facility will house approximately 2,000security detainees.

The two-week train-the-trainer coursefocused on proper techniques and proceduresfor conducting detention operations as wellas humane, high-quality treatment ofdetainees.

Once the guards receive their training, theywill work side-by-side with Coalition Forcesat Fort Suse. Once the Iraqis are comfortablewith the care, custody and control of thesecurity detainees, Coalition Forces will turnover the facility to the Iraqi Government.

This transition will be the first major steptowards the overall transition of detaineeoperations to the Iraqi Government.

Trainers graduatetwo-week course

Construction started this week on a $579,000Al Ameen water network project in 9 Nisan,Baghdad Province. The estimated comple-

tion date is Nov. 7. This water network project willupgrade the existing facilities to an acceptablehealth standard for the approximately 3,000 resi-dents. The project was funded by the Commander’sEmergency Relief Program.

This Week in IraqPage 7 September 28, 2005

BAGHDAD — CoalitionForces captured 10 terror sus-pects in three separate combatoperations Sept. 17.

Shortly after 9:30 p.m.,Soldiers from the 1st Squadron,11th Armored Cavalry Regimentbegan a cordon and search ofsuspected safe houses to capturemembers of a terror cell operat-ing in west Baghdad.

In just over two hours, theSoldiers seized four members ofthe cell thought to be part of a mor-

tar team that attacked CoalitionForces, Iraqi Security Forces andcivilians. Later, Soldiers from 1stBattalion, 64th Armor Regimentcarried out another cordon andsearch in east Baghdad. In onehouse they found weapons andinstructions on how to build a road-side bomb. They also found docu-ments and maps that could havebeen used to plan an attack.

An hour later, Coalition Forcesdetained five suspects during acentral Baghdad raid. The sus-pects are believed to haveplanned and participated in terror-ist activities in the Aamel district.

Coalition detains 10 suspectedterrorists in Baghdad raids

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By Task Force BaghdadPublic Affairs

This Week in IraqPage 8 September 28, 2005

BAGHDAD —The Central CriminalCourt of Iraq (CCCI) held 25 trials lastweek convicting 28 security detainees forvarious crimes including illegal bordercrossing and possession of illegal weapons.

One detainee was sentenced to life (20

years) imprisonment for illegal bordercrossing.

Upon conviction, all defendants areturned over to the Iraqi CorrectionsService to serve their sentences.

To date, the CCCI has held 502 trials of

insurgents suspected of anti-Iraqi and anti-Coalition activities threatening the securi-ty of Iraq and targeting MNF-I. Theseproceedings have resulted in 493 individ-ual convictions with sentences ranging upto 30 years imprisonment.

Insurgent sentenced to life imprisonment for border crossing

Iraqi Security Forces operations this week in Iraq

Iraqi Security Forces continue tomove forward in their resolve to

provide sole security for Iraq.“Their ability to take the lead is

improving day by day,” said BritishArmy Col. Nigel Jefferson, ISF chief,Multi-National Corps - Iraq plans sec-tion. “Their capability is improving.”

In Tall Afar this week, Iraqi Armyconducted operations independent ofCoalition Forces. The city was clearedof insurgents so citizens can vote safelyduring the upcoming referendum andelection.

“In many instances, they would takethe lead and be the public face of the

operation,” Jefferson said. The Iraqi Police Force

also played an integralpart in Tall Afar.

“The 4th CommandoBrigade, also known asLightning Brigade, partic-ipated in combat opera-tions in combination withthe Iraqi Army,” said Lt.Col. Michael Moore,deputy ISF chief, Multi-National Corps - Iraqplans section. LightningBrigade has since returnedto its headquarters inBaghdad, allowing local police forces tomaintain long-term security.

“It’s about returning the place to nor-malcy,” Jefferson said. “The operationwas a success, but there’s a ways to go

yet.”The 2nd

CommandoBrigade, alsoknow as WolfBrigade, sup-ported IraqiArmy units toprovide securityfor three millionShi’ite Muslimswho made thepilgrimage toKarbala lastweek for thebirthday celebra-tion of the 12thImam.

“They showeda good ability toconduct securityoperations insupport ofMuslim tradi-

tions,” Moore said. The celebration inKarabala was peaceful and without inci-dent.

Iraqis are graduating from ISF trainingschools, adding to the 190,000 strongforce that will be the sole securityprovider during the upcoming electionprocess.

“It’s the Iraqi face that’s at the front ofthis, not ours,” said Lt. Col. PatrickStevens, operations planner, Multi-National Corps - Iraq.

Some of those new recruits may findthemselves in the 7th Iraqi ArmyDivision, which continues to grow. Thefirst brigade is currently in Al Anbar,and the second brigade will deploy therebefore the referendum. Another brigadeis expected to stand up operations at theend of the year.

Even though the ISF continue to moveforward in logistics and operations, thereis still a lot of ground for them to cover.

“It’s going to be a long process tostand up the Iraqi logistical capabilities,”Jefferson said.

It is a process that ISF and CF troopsare working to see through to the suc-cessful end.

By Staff Sgt. Julie NicolovMulti-National Corps - Iraq Public Affairs

An Iraqi Army Soldier stands security as localcivilians enter a Coalition compound to askabout assistance for house repairs in Tall AfarSept. 20.

U.S. Navy Photos by Petty Officer 1st Class Alan D. MonyelleIraqi Army Soldiers hand out food and water rations ascivilians enter various checkpoints in Tall Afar Sept. 19.Iraqi Army Security Forces, with assistance from the 3rdArmored Cavalry Regiment and an 82nd AirborneDivision unit, are providing security for the region of TallAfar in order to disrupt insurgent safe havens and toclear weapons cache sights in the area of operation.

This Week in IraqPage 9 September 28, 2005

CAMPASHRAF — With assistancefrom the International Committee ofthe Red Cross and the Iraqi Ministry ofHuman Rights, 13 former members ofthe Iranian Mujahedeen-e KhalqOrganization based at Camp Ashrafreturned home this month.

These former members requested tobe repatriated back to Iran upon arrivalat the Coalition-controlled facility.Since late 2004 over 300 former mem-bers of the organization have returnedhome to Iran through the amnesty pro-gram provided by the Iranian regime.

MeK members repatriate to Iran

This week in Multi-National Corps - IraqCoalition Operations: a week in review

Three major Coalitionoperations in Iraq con-

tinue to progress full-steam-ahead in the Coalition Forces’and Iraqi Security Forces’effort to oust terrorists fromthe fledgling democracy.

“We will shut them down;it’s just a matter of time,” saidLt. Col. Bruce Parker, assistantchief of operations, Multi-National Corps - Iraq.

The operations: RestoringRights in Tall Afar, Sayaid inwestern Iraq and Thunder inBaghdad, are designed to

remove terrorists, secure thestreets for citizens and rebuildinfrastructure.

Operation Restoring Rightskicked off two weeks ago tosecure the city of Tall Afar forthe upcoming constitution ref-erendum and national elec-tions. Thousands of citizensevacuated the city before andduring the operation. Morethan 9,000 citizens haverecently returned to theirhomes.

In the event their propertywas damaged during the oper-ation, citizens can file claimswith the Coalition. CoalitionForces are also prepared toimprove the city’s infrastruc-ture.

“We began work on buildingpolice stations, roads andschools, as well as cleaning upthe trash and purifying thewater,” Parker said.

The returning citizens arealso helping CF and ISF cap-

ture anti-Iraqi forcesstill left in the city.

“They are telling CFand ISF where thereare AIF and weaponscaches,” Parker said.

In one day last week,173 citizens volun-teered for to join thelocal police force.

In Operation Sayaidin western Iraq, CF andISF are patrolling theSyrian border andtowns along theEuphrates River forAIF.

By building borderpatrol outposts andconducting check-

points, raids and cordon-and-searches, CF and ISF are stop-ping terrorists before theyattack. The operation alsogives ISF an opportunity toshow AIF that Iraq is protect-ing itself.

“The purpose is to providean enduring presence of ISF inthe Euphrates River Valley,”Parker said.

In Baghdad, OperationThunder proves that slow andsteady wins the race.

In Baghdad, which is thelargest city in Iraq, CF and ISFare conducting 24-hour raidsthat expose weapons caches,improvised explosive devicefactories and AIF. CF and ISFcontinue to patrol, take tipsfrom local citizens and exposeAIF before they have anopportunity to strike.

“They’re ready,” Parker saidof CF and ISF troops. They’reout there 24/7.”

By Staff Sgt. Julie NicolovMulti-National Corps - IraqPublic Affairs

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James L. Harper Jr.U.S. and Iraqi troops review a checkpoint entry list in thetown of Tall Afar, Sept. 20.

U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Alan D. MonyelleU.S. Soldiers, from 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, provide sec-ondary security at a checkpoint in the outer section of Tall AfarSept. 19. Iraqi Army Soldiers with assistance from 3rd ACR andan 82nd Airborne Division unit are providing security for the TallAfar region in order to disrupt insurgent safe havens and toclear weapons cache sights in the area.

Approximately 8,800 inthe Najaf Provincehave access to potable

water following the comple-tion of two water treatmentunits.

This Week in IraqPage 10 September 28, 2005

Kamaliya water, sewer construction underwayIAP/Petroland has a $30.5 million contract for construction of a

sanitary sewer system and trunk lines for Mahalas 757, 759, 765,and 767 and water networks in Mahalas 757 and 759 all in 9 Nissan(south of Sadr City). The work includes installation of a sewer mainline pipe and manholes, laterals to homes and businesses, pump sta-tions and trunk lines. The new system replaces open slit trenches andstanding raw sewage in the neighborhoods now. The new water dis-tribution network includes main line pipe, laterals, valves and con-nections to the homes. Construction started Feb. 13, 2005 withrequired completion April 6, 2006. Currently the project is 45 per-cent finished. About 155 Iraqi workers are on the crew.Subcontractors include Al-Raihana Construction, Al-Marraya (Mahala757), Al-Qattera (Mahala 759), Al-Asdiqa’ (Mahala 765 and 767).

FORWARD OPERATING BASEDANGER — Iraqi Soldiers with 1stBattalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi ArmyDivision are now planning and conductingtheir own missions, the Iraqi battalioncommander said.

“The operation that we conducted isaccording to information and intelligencethat our battalion gathered,” said Col.Dakhel Hassen Mahoumoud. “The targetswe have are wanted for conducting [terror-ist activity] against Iraqi police, Army andtheir families. We watched the targets, ver-ified information and found out they meetin certain houses.”

The mission not only achieved its goalon detaining high value targets, but theyalso worked together, said Capt. David

Byrne, intelligence officer, 2nd Battalion,7th Infantry Regiment, and a native ofRedhook, N.Y.

“They moved through the objectivesquickly, and they’re reporting well throughtheir chain of command, so their battalioncommander is aware of what’s going on.

“They also used their own communica-tion, moved quickly and had good situa-tional awareness,” Byrne said.

The Iraqi Army had no Coalition help inpreparing for this mission.

“We’re here for quality assurance andquality control purposes,” Byrne said.“Basically to watch them and help themwhen they are doing their after action reviewand give them some tips for how they canimprove and what they really did well.”

“My whole battalion went through spe-cial training from special forces byCoalition Forces,” Mahoumoud said.“Every mission done with CoalitionForces we get more experience and train-ing. Every Soldier has gained specialskills during the training cycles they con-ducted with Coalition Forces, whichmakes the battalion stronger and moreeffective.”

The Iraqi Soldiers are learning from theirtraining and continue to improve afterevery mission, he added.

“It’s great to see them doing their ownmission based off their own planning and[for me to] be able to assist as they becomemore autonomous,” Byrne said. “It’s thefuture of Iraq.”

Iraqi Army units conducting solo missions

This Week in IraqPage 11 September 28, 2005

Iraqi mothers and babies will receive better health care with the completedconstruction of a new 260-bed maternity hospital in Mosul.

MNF-I Operations Sept. 17 to 23 Brigade-level operations:

14

IEDs found and cleared:

102

Anti-Iraqi Forces detained:

263

Foreign fighters captured or killed:

15

Weapons caches found and cleared:

38

FORWARD OPERATING BASEVANGUARD — Insurgents in Iraqtarget Iraqi Army Soldiers as well asCoalition Forces Soldiers. In trainingthe IA and turning Iraq over to them,CF must also prepare them for reactingto attacks on their installations.

Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 128thInfantry Regiment and 100th Battalion,442nd Infantry Regiment here, southof Balad, held a training exercise forthe 4th Battalion, 1st Brigade of the4th Iraqi Division.

The training showed the Iraqi Soldiershow to react to a vehicle-borne impro-vised explosive device (VBIED).

The training was part of the relief inplace training CF Soldiers were doingwith the IA before a transfer of authorityscheduled in the near future. CF and theIA have worked together for some time onFOB Vanguard.

“When we first came here, we only had[limited] Coalition Forces,” Jerkins said.“We knew we couldn’t protect the FOB onour own, so we had to integrate the IA.”

The purpose of the exercise, besides thetraining aspect for the IA, was so CF lead-ers running the exercise could evaluate the

Iraqi Soldiers’ performance. Soon the IAwill be in total command of the FOB.

“We want to make sure they are runningeverything on their own,” Jerkins said. “Ifthey are not actively performing thesemissions right now, at least they knowwhat their duties and responsibilities are.”

The Iraqi Soldiers said they are benefit-ing from the training, and they are eager todisplay their abilities to the CF Soldiers.

“It’s a very good idea,” said Pvt.Azhar Maher, Security Platoon, 4th Bn,1st IA Bde. “We are going to be runningthe FOB by ourselves. We will have achance to prove ourselves by doing wellduring this exercise and in the futuredoing the operations without any help

from the Coalition.”Task Force Liberty Soldiers have

worked with the Iraqi Army as part of amilitary transition team since the begin-ning of their deployment, and say they aresad to be leaving after living day in andday out with the Iraqis.

“I am really going to miss these guys,”said Staff Sgt. Rene Baliscao, a 100/442Inf. medic. “Some of them are like broth-ers to us.”

Coalition prepares Iraqi Army to take control of FOBBy Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr.1st Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs, Task Force Liberty

Iraqi Soldiers load a mock casualtyinto an ambulance after a mockVBIED attack at FOB Vanguard.

An Iraqi Soldier asks a passenger in asuspected mock VBIED to exit the vehi-cle. The passengers were IA Soldiers aswell, participating in a react to VBIEDattack at FOB Vanguard.

Operators of the BasraSweet Water Canal cel-ebrated the arrival of 30

new heavy duty vehicles thisweek. The convoy consistedof dump trucks, fuel trucks,buses, shovels, graders andsemi trucks. By providing theequipment to the canal, itbecomes the first office in thesouth of Iraq to become inde-pendent and capable to runcanal operations withoutassistance.

This Week in IraqPage 12 September 28, 2005

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick J. DixonAn Iraqi police member provides security at atemporary checkpoint in Al Kut.

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick J. DixonIraqi Army Col. Hatem, 2nd Brigade, 8th Division commander,offers a gift to U.S. Army Lt. Col. Alicia Tate-Nadeau, Multi-National Division Central-South public information officer,Sept. 16 at the brigade’s headquarters at Al Hilla.

Iraqi Army Brig. Gen.Mohammed, commanderof 3rd Brigade, 8thDivision, signs a docu-ment that hands overbattle space to the 3rdBrigade Iraqi Army fromCoalition Forces onSept. 15 in Al Kut.U.S. Air Force photo bySenior Airman Patrick J. Dixon

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas RodmanA local citizen sits in his shop while Marines of Company C,1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, search and clear housesof weapons and insurgents in Fallujah. 2nd Marine Divisionconducts counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi SecurityForces to isolate and neutralize anti-Iraqi forces, to supportthe development of Iraqi Security Forces and to support Iraqireconstruction and democratic elections to create a securegovernment that enables self-reliance and self-governance.

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick J. DixonU.S. Army Sgt. Arthur Hamilton, a videographerfrom the 55th Signal Company, documents IraqiArmy Col. Hatem, 2nd Brigade, 8th DivisionCommander, speaking to personnel on Sept. 16 atthe 2nd Brigade’s headquarters at Al Hilla.

Iraqistaking the lead