Iraq: On Ground Updates
Attacks Prompt Iraqi Security Assessment - ISF Derail Rocket Launcher Factory Operations in Maysan
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
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Attacks Prompt Iraqi Security Assessment
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Attacks Prompt Iraqi Security Assessment - ISF Derail Rocket Launcher Factory Operations in Maysan
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
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Attacks Prompt Iraqi Security Assessment
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Iraqi security forces have undertaken a broad self-assessment in the wake of series of deadly attacks in the Iraqi capital last month, a U.S. commander there said today.
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A wave of truck bombings in Baghdad killed at least 100 people and injured more than 500 others in a deadly Aug. 19 assault that exposed a lapse in security, according to U.S. defense officials.
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“The Iraqi security forces, as a result of that, have done a great deal of introspective assessing, to make sure that they understand how they can mitigate that from ever happening again,” Army Col. Joseph Martin, commander of the 1st Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team in Baghdad told reporters at the Pentagon today.
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“They continue to assess the overall security situation as a whole, in order to mitigate any attacks, not just [car bomb] attacks, but just any attacks that can occur here,” he added.
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The attack, which came nearly two months after U.S. troops withdrew from Iraq’s cities and villages as part of the U.S.-Iraqi security agreement to increase the authority of Iraqi forces, prompted Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to call for a re-evaluation of security operations.
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In the wake of the explosions, top Iraqi military officials met to discuss security methods. The meeting culminated in a directive that changed aspects of security, including procedures and locations for checkpoints and inspections, said Martin, who declined to discuss specific details about the security reforms.
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“It's reflective of them understanding, based on our discussions, … the importance of being an introspective organization and entity providing security for the people here. It helps everybody improve,” he said. “It's a sign of a very mature chain of command that can take a look at themselves and their operations and improve -- improve their overall capability.”
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While defense officials have acknowledged that future attacks are likely, they characterized the attacks as an isolated security breach that is overshadowed by broader trends that indicate improved safety in Iraq compared to previous years.
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Violence in Iraq since 2004 is at all-time low, Martin said, adding that since his unit’s arrival in October, attacks have decreased by almost 40 percent. The brigade’s area of operations averages fewer than two attacks per day, compared to 30 daily attacks two years ago.
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“This achievement is due to the hard work of the soldiers and the partners at the company level and below who relentlessly attacked the enemy, then stood watch to protect the people they came here to protect,” Martin said.
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But the bloodshed underscored that security in Iraq is an evolving process of training, partnering and development, defense officials said.
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“This event demonstrates that security is not only an ongoing process, but really is a never-ending commitment,” Martin said.
.
A wave of truck bombings in Baghdad killed at least 100 people and injured more than 500 others in a deadly Aug. 19 assault that exposed a lapse in security, according to U.S. defense officials.
.
“The Iraqi security forces, as a result of that, have done a great deal of introspective assessing, to make sure that they understand how they can mitigate that from ever happening again,” Army Col. Joseph Martin, commander of the 1st Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team in Baghdad told reporters at the Pentagon today.
.
“They continue to assess the overall security situation as a whole, in order to mitigate any attacks, not just [car bomb] attacks, but just any attacks that can occur here,” he added.
.
The attack, which came nearly two months after U.S. troops withdrew from Iraq’s cities and villages as part of the U.S.-Iraqi security agreement to increase the authority of Iraqi forces, prompted Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to call for a re-evaluation of security operations.
.
In the wake of the explosions, top Iraqi military officials met to discuss security methods. The meeting culminated in a directive that changed aspects of security, including procedures and locations for checkpoints and inspections, said Martin, who declined to discuss specific details about the security reforms.
.
“It's reflective of them understanding, based on our discussions, … the importance of being an introspective organization and entity providing security for the people here. It helps everybody improve,” he said. “It's a sign of a very mature chain of command that can take a look at themselves and their operations and improve -- improve their overall capability.”
.
While defense officials have acknowledged that future attacks are likely, they characterized the attacks as an isolated security breach that is overshadowed by broader trends that indicate improved safety in Iraq compared to previous years.
.
Violence in Iraq since 2004 is at all-time low, Martin said, adding that since his unit’s arrival in October, attacks have decreased by almost 40 percent. The brigade’s area of operations averages fewer than two attacks per day, compared to 30 daily attacks two years ago.
.
“This achievement is due to the hard work of the soldiers and the partners at the company level and below who relentlessly attacked the enemy, then stood watch to protect the people they came here to protect,” Martin said.
.
But the bloodshed underscored that security in Iraq is an evolving process of training, partnering and development, defense officials said.
.
“This event demonstrates that security is not only an ongoing process, but really is a never-ending commitment,” Martin said.
.
Taken from DoD’s American Forces Press Service News Article - Written by John J. Kruzel
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ISF Derail Rocket Launcher Factory Operations in Maysan
Multi-National Division – South
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
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The 38th Iraqi Army Brigade and Iraqi Tactical Security Unit Police from Amarah seized a large cache of supplies used for improvised rocket launchers in Maysan province August 31st.Taken from DoD’s American Forces Press Service News Article - Written by John J. Kruzel
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ISF Derail Rocket Launcher Factory Operations in Maysan
Multi-National Division – South
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
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The operation snared 16 complete rocket rails and over 1300 car jacks and other components used in the assembly of the rails.
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Hundreds of jacks were smuggled in banana shipping crates marked with Iranian stickers.
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“The loss of this particular cache will seriously hinder the criminals’ ability to disrupt peace in southern Iraq,” said Maj. Myles Caggins, 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division spokesperson familiar with the operation. “It was especially encouraging to see the number of local citizens come forward to tell the Iraqi Army about the cache location. Outlaws who smuggle lethal aid seek to undermine economic development in Maysan.”
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The evidence is being investigated by the 38th Iraqi Brigade and Iraqi Police, with assistance from Weapons Intelligence Specialists assigned to the U.S. Army’s 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment.
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The U.S. battalion advises and assists Iraqi Security Forces from their base in rural Maysan.
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Iraqi media were permitted to view the cache.
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Taken from press release #20090901-03 - Multi-National Corps-Iraq - Public Affairs Office, Camp Victor
Taken from press release #20090901-03 - Multi-National Corps-Iraq - Public Affairs Office, Camp Victor
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