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ISF, 172nd SBCT leaders discuss Operation Together Forward

August 25, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq (Army News Service, Aug. 25, 2006) – Leaders from 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, and 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Multi-National Division – Baghdad came together Wednesday at MND-B’s Media Operations Center in Camp Liberty to discuss the recent 10-day combined clearing operation in Ghazaliyah in support of Operation Together Forward.

Brig. Gen. Jaleel, commander, 1st Bde., 6th IAD, and Col. Michael Shields, commander, 172nd SBCT, MND-B, highlighted the success of the combined operation and focused on the growing relationship between Iraqi Security Forces and the people of Ghazaliyah.

“This operation with the Iraqi Security Forces was a success,” said Shields. “There was a marked decrease in murders and violence in both Shula and Ghazaliyah during this operation. We cleared over 20,000 buildings without incident, capturing several personnel, weapons and 15 caches.”

Shields emphasized however, that the operation’s success was not due to the large number of weapons and terrorists taken off the streets but rather the positive relationships formed with community leaders and citizens.

“Where we really made gains was conducting neighborhood security council meetings with both the Shula and Ghazaliyah leadership,” said Shields “This was a great first step towards community improvement in both of those areas.

“The focus was on identifying short-term projects for improving the quality of life in the community, such as trash or rubbish removal, and more long-term projects, such as working with sewer, water and electricity.”

Shields went on to add that the security efforts made by the ISF and MND-B Soldiers were appreciated by most Iraqi citizens.

“The majority of the people here have been very happy that the security forces have come in to reestablish security in their neighborhoods, and it is not uncommon for the citizens of these neighborhoods to walk up to ISF or Coalition Forces and thank them for what they’re doing,” said Shields. “You can see it in the children playing in the streets and in the families sitting out in their front lawns relaxing.”

The 1st Bde., 6th IAD commander, sitting side-by-side with Shields, was quick to praise what his MND-B partners brought to the operation.

“These troops that just arrived here in Baghdad are very experienced, and we enjoyed working with them during the operation,” said Jaleel.

He went on to describe the effect that the combined operation had on the security situation in his area of responsibility. Terrorist activity, he added, has decreased anywhere from 50 to 75 percent in recent weeks.

When asked how effective his troops would be in operating independently of CF, he pointed to his unit’s past experience.

“My forces were providing security before these most recent operations, and that will continue afterward,” said Jaleel.

Both military leaders described a community bustling with life and new businesses with the improved security, but they also recognized the continued effort required to sustain the recent security gains.

“There is still a lot of work to do, but we’re working really close to our ISF partners to provide the security that is needed,” said Shields. “We will continue to target those who conduct criminal or violent activities that destabilize these neighborhoods and threaten the people.”

(Story provided by Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO)