Iraqi Army assumes control of two areas
February 1, 2006
BAGHDAD (Army News Service, Feb. 1, 2006) – Coalition forces turned over an installation in Baghdad and a region south of Mosul to Iraqi Army units during the last days of January.
Forward Operating Base Honor in central Baghdad was ceded to control of the 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division Jan. 31.
Just days prior, the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team handed over control of the area south of Mosul to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division.
Iraqi forces continue to assume operational authority over more of their country, Coalition officials said. They said the Iraqi Army is taking an ever-increasing lead in securing the region and pointed to an instance Jan. 29 in which Iraqi forces asserted their authority by planning and leading raids against terrorists near Baqubah.
Iraqis take over Baghdad FOB
In a ceremony Tuesday, FOB Honor, near the northwest edge of the International Zone in Baghdad, was turned over to the Iraqi Army.
Col. Mohammad Wasif, commander, 5th Bde, 6th IA, accepted responsibility of FOB Honor from Col. Mike Beech, commander, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
Beech praised the soldiers from the Iraqi Army’s 5th Bde, saying that they had “earned a reputation of being tough and well-led troops. I stand in the company of others who have stood (up) to the challenge of securing Iraq’s future,” he said.
Modifying operational basing to reflect improvements in ISF capabilities is what this transition displays, according to Multi-National Division–Baghdad officials.
FOB renamed Mo-ascar Alsharaf
Mohammad acknowledged the importance of the area of the city that his brigade is taking over, and talked of the progress his formation had made since being established one year ago.
“Our troops have worked night and day to carry out their duties and I ask God to help us and our allies build stability and democracy in Iraq,” Mohammed said.
In a press conference following the Transfer of Authority, Maj. Gen. J.D. Thurman, 4th Infantry Division commander, said “Today, by establishing FOB Honor, now Mo-ascar Alsharaf, completely under Iraqi Army control, we stand in the company of those who have taken up the challenge to secure Iraq’s future. You will be equal to the task. Your Coalition brothers salute you,” said Thurman.
Ceremony transfers 150 square K
In a ceremony at Q-West Base Jan. 28, the area south of Mosul was transferred to the control of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division.
The unit’s commander, Brig. Gen. Ali Mullah, accepted responsibility for the area accepted transfer of authority from the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
“The terrorists are taking their last breaths and the end is near…there is no place for them [to hide],” said Mullah.
When asked if his troops could maintain security from Qayyrah to the Mosul-Baghdad highway, Ali replied, “My Soldiers and I will ensure that security and stability are maintained.”
The battle space spans an area west of the Tigris River, east of the Mosul-Baghdad highway and between the villages of Aitha in the south and Munirah in the north – a total of about 150 square kilometers.
Iraqi battalion certified ready
With more than 800 trained Soldiers, the battalion was certified ready to assume the frontline in the counter-insurgency.
The Iraqi battalion trained hard and fought even harder to earn its new status. Thirteen of its Soldiers have given their lives in defense of Iraq, as the unit conducted more than two dozen major, battalion-level missions.
Iraqi troops conduct Baqubah raids
Further south, other Iraqi Army Soldiers also took the fight to terrorists. Iraqi and Coalition forces raided an anti-Iraqi forces cell Jan. 29 that was targeting Coalition bases in Baqubah.
Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, alongside members of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, planned and conducted several combined raids to capture the terrorists behind the mortar and rocket attacks.
Unit leaders also targeted several AIF members whom they believed were behind the attacks and operating in the town of Septia.
Coalition and Iraqi troops entered Septia just after dawn and completed the raids by noon, according to military officials. They netted 18 suspected AIF members including three targeted terrorists. The units also seized one weapon, several hundred rounds of ammunition and one IED triggering device.
The joint Iraqi/Coalition operation highlights the growing capability of the Iraqi Army as they assume more responsibility for Iraq’s security, Coalition officials said.
(Editor's note: Information provided by MNF-I.)
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