Weapon Turn-In Continues in Al-Thawra
Baghdad, Iraq -The Al-Thawra weapons turn-in initiative is beginning to show a glimmer of success as more medium and heavy weapons are beginning to come in. This development has led to a Saturday start of a two-day extension of the program by the Iraqi government to allow for the turn-in of more such weapons and the dismantling of improvised explosive devices.
Observers noted that on Friday there were weapons turned-in that are commonly used in attacks on Iraqi civilians and Multi-National Forces.
"More medium and heavy weapons arrived Friday following several days of relatively low numbers of turn-in," said Capt. Brian O'Malley, of the 1st Cavalry Division's 1st Brigade, headquartered in eastern Baghdad. "There has been modest improvement in the turn-in and we still expect to see thousands upon thousands of weapons and bombing making materials."
Three sites have been established at police stations. Some of the weapons that are commonly used by militia including artillery shells, rockets of various sizes, and mortars. There are also still numerous IEDs throughout the district.
"The burden of proof of intent is with the militia," said Lt. Col. James Hutton, chief spokesman for the 1st Cavalry Division. "Without an obvious disarming, including the dismantling of roadside bombs, this initiative will not work. We are past the period of words. We need to see action and action here means more medium and heavy weapons and the complete ridding of IEDs."
The purpose of the initiative, between the Iraqi Interim Government and the militia, is to help provide an environment that will result in a stabilization of the area. Multi-National Forces say that by itself it is but one step in a process leading to true peace.
"This initiative, if thousands of weapons and weapon-making materials are turned in, is a positive step," said Col. Robert "Abe" Abrams, commander of the 1st Brigade. "The real test for the militia is in its willingness to disband its activities. No more paraphernalia on the streets, no more offices, no more meetings and discontinuing intimidation of the citizens of Al-Thawra is what is needed right now. There is no reason for the militia to exist. They must accept the rule of law."
"Before this latest round of attacks by the militia, more than 15,000 people were at work who are not working today," said Abrams. "We can state emphatically that with an extended period with peaceful conditions, we can put tens of thousands of people to work again. The militia has never and will never be able to produce jobs or help to build a future for the people of Al-Thawra. The militia's actions are more important than words."
Release #041017h
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
