Iraqi Provincial Security Forces assume control of Marine outpost in Karmah Multi National Force - W
Multi-National Force-Iraq
Friday, 06 February 2009
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
www.mnc-i.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20090206-1
Feb. 6, 2009
Iraqi Provincial Security Forces assume control of Marine outpost in Karmah Multi National Force – West
KARMAH, Iraq – The Marines of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, turned over Outpost Omar to Iraqi Provincial Security Forces, Jan. 25.
Outpost Omar is a vital security position in the region, and the Iraqi PSF assumed control of the outpost because of their proficiency and operational capabilities. The PSF are similar to state police in the U.S. in that they enjoy jurisdiction anywhere in the Karmah region, and their new location at Outpost Omar is adjacent to major roads and provides quick access to the Karmah region.
“They’re the most competent [local] Iraqi force,” said Maj. Jason Borovies, operations officer, 1st Bn., 3rd Marines Regt.
“The PSF are now unmistakably in the lead, and they’re expected to take it,” he added.
The turnover not only marked another step toward reducing the operational footprint of Coalition forces in Iraq’s Al Anbar province, but also recognized another Iraqi force as capable enough to operate independently without a diminishment of security capabilities.
“Today is a great day,” said Col. Faisal Hanshal, commander of the local PSF. “The transition means a lot. When the insurgency attacked us before, they attacked [Coalition Forces] and Iraqis. Now when they attack us, they attack the Iraqi Government, and we will stop them.”
Another reason Marines departed their area of operations was because of the growing trust between Marines and PSF. The trust allowed Marines to further reduce their forward presence.
During the deployment, the Marines and PSF conducted numerous combined operations, including two large-scale helicopter-borne operations. Their time operating side-by-side demonstrated their ability and desire to secure Karmah.
“After working with them, learning and growing, [Iraqi people] call us the ‘Iraqi Marines,” Faisal boasted. “We’re going to do our best to continue like Iraqi Marines and sustain security in Karmah.”
The transition, unlike the Karmah Iraqi Police Station turnover roughly a month ago, was never originally a part of the Marines’ mission, said Capt. Christopher Dellow, commander, Company A, 1st Bn., 3rd Marines Regt.
The opportunity to strategically locate PSF and remove Coalition presence in the area was obvious after six months of operations, Dellow said.
“It was based on their tenacity and drive to accomplish the mission,” he explained. “They’re definitely capable of providing security and keeping everything under control. They’re going to do a great job.”
Aside from the continuous effort to keep empowering Iraqi forces and diminishing Coalition responsibilities, the turnover also coincides with the recently enacted Status of Forces Agreement. Identifying capable Iraqi forces and placing them in the lead while drawing down Marines in the area allows the Iraqi forces to begin “walking” on their own, with Marines nearby if needed.
“Today we lose the Marines by our side,” Faisal said. “But today we unite as countrymen and take back our country.”
As a convoy of Marines handed yet another outpost over to the Iraqi forces, the departure signified the continual progression of the Iraqi people, and the fading need of Coalition forces.
“The PSF have moved to the forefront [operationally],” Dellow said. “They’ve taken the lead. Our goal was to ensure the safe and timely transition. While this doesn’t complete the big picture – it’s certainly an important step.”
U.S. Marines and Iraqi Provincial Security Forces salute the Iraqi national flag during the transfer of Outpost Omar in Karmah, Iraq from Coalition to PSF control, Jan. 25, 2009. The Marines of Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, turned over the outpost as part of an ongoing process to draw down Coalition presence in the Al Anbar province and place Iraqi forces at the forefront of security operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis)
U.S. Marines and Iraqi Provincial Security Forces stand at attention during the transfer of Outpost Omar in Karmah, Iraq from Coalition to PSF control, Jan. 25, 2009. The Marines of Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, turned over the outpost as part of an ongoing process to draw down Coalition presence in the Al Anbar province and place Iraqi forces at the forefront of security operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis)
Capt. Christopher Dellow, commander, Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, shakes the hand of Iraqi Provincial Security Forces Col. Faisal Hanshal, commander, 1st Company, 7th Brigade, after officially turning over Outpost Omar in Karmah, Iraq, Jan. 25, 2009. The Marines turned over the outpost as part of an ongoing process to draw down Coalition presence in the Al Anbar province and put Iraqi forces at the forefront of security operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis)
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