Rakkasans revive patrols in local towns
By Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika
May 2, 2006
BAGHDAD, Iraq (Army News Service, May 2, 2006) – Two towns located near Baghdad are again being patrolled after a four-month absence of coalition forces.
Squaretown and Triangletown, named for their shape on the map, are a spill-over from nearby Sadr City, close to Baghdad. Apache Troop of the 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, stationed at Forward Operating Base Rustimayah, have resumed patrolling the area due to a recent increase in insurgent activities.
The patrols present convoy drivers with unique challenges as they roll along roads riddled with refuse, but Apache Troop is used to it. They patrol the streets for up to 12 hours a day, trying to restore a sense of security for the residents.
“What we are trying to do out here is to make friends, to let them know that we are not the enemy,” said Apache Troop 1st. Sgt. Arthur Abiera. “The biggest problem we have when patrolling the streets is the kids throwing rocks at us while on the ground or driving by them.”
(Editor's note: Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika writes for the 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.)
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