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Release A051215h

Iraqi forces safeguard polling sites against attacks

Multi-National Force-Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq — As Iraqi citizens continued to stream into polling sites to vote in the historic national elections, Iraqi Security Forces protected voters against attempted terrorist attacks Dec. 15. Small-scale, sporadic terrorist attacks continued throughout the morning, but caused no serious injury or significant damage. Iraqi Army officials reported two 127 mm rocket impacts in central of Baghdad around 9 a.m. One rocket landed behind a polling station, which was temporarily closed as Iraqi Army Soldiers assessed the site. Three Iraqi civilians were wounded in the terrorist attack. Task Force Baghdad Military Police in east Baghdad reported two mortar rounds impacted near an Iraqi Police station shortly after 9 a.m. Military officials reported that voting at the polling sites in the area continued undisturbed. There were no casualties in the attack. Military Police detained an individual driving in the area who had a fake identification card.

Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq officials reported three armed terrorists harassed voters at four different Sadr City polling stations. An Iraqi Police emergency response team and Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division quickly arrived on the scene but the armed men had already dispersed. U.S. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment in southwest Baghdad found an improvised explosive device which conducting a patrol. An explosive ordnance disposal team later destroyed the homemade bomb. Throughout the day, Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army Soldiers maintained a secure environment for Iraqi citizens heading to the polls. Coalition Forces continued to maintain their role in perimeter security operations.

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THIS STORY HAS ACCOMPANYING PHOTOGRAPHS. TO RECEIVE THE PHOTOS: CONTACT THE TASK FORCE BAGHDAD PUBLIC AFFAIRS PLANS AND OPERATIONS NCO, SGT. FIRST CLASS DAVID ABRAMS AT: DAVID.ABRAMS@ID3.ARMY.MIL.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces frisk voters before they head into one of several polling stations in west Baghdad Dec. 15. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Lester Colley)

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A young Iraqi boy displays his national pride by dipping his finger in purple ink in imitation of adult voters Dec. 15 in west Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Lester Colley)

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Two Iraqi citizens show proof that they voted in the Dec. 15 election in west Baghdad Dec. 15. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Lester Colley)

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Although too young to cast a vote, this young Iraqi child shows off a purple finger, imitating adult voters who cast their ballots at one of several polling stations in west Baghdad Dec. 15. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Lester Colley)

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Speaking through his translator (left), a Soldier from 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division talks to Iraqi residents in west Baghdad Dec. 15. While Iraqi Security Forces kept a vigilant watch at polling sites, Coalition Forces continued to maintain their role in perimeter security operations throughout the day. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Lester Colley)

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE TASK FORCE BAGHDAD PUBLIC AFFAIRS PLANS AND OPERATIONS NCO, MASTER SGT DAVID ABRAMS AT: DAVID.ABRAMS@ID3.ARMY.MIL.