Release A051215g
Karmah polling center opens in spite of terrorists
Multi-National Force-Iraq
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – An Iraq National Elections polling center, based at al-Kurmaa Primary School in Karmah, opened on time Dec.15 despite an apparent terrorist attempt yesterday to damage or destroy it. A large explosion was reported on the evening of Dec.14 at the site. Marines and Iraqi security forces responded and discovered a hole blown in the wall and rubble in the street. There were no casualties. An explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) unit conducted a blast analysis and ensured the site was clear of additional explosives. Coalition Forces and ISF quickly cleaned and repaired the facility to receive voters.
“Through quick and decisive action in responding to the attack and repairing the damage, Iraqi and Coalition Forces were able to foil the attempt by anti-Iraqi forces to deny the Iraqi people their right to vote,” said Multi-National Force – West spokesman Col. David Lapan. Iraqi security forces and Marines continue to maintain security at and around outer cordon sites at hundreds of polling sites around the al Anbar province. Since the Iraqi security forces completed their voting earlier in the week, with 90% casting their ballots, they now play the key role in protecting the polling sites. In eastern al Anbar province, the Iraqi Army provides the outer perimeter security while the Iraqi Police are providing the inner cordon around the actual polling sites.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-WEST PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE AT CEPAOWO@CEMNF-WIRAQ.USMC.MIL.
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