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IP increase security following Ramadan

Sep 25, 2009

By 2BCT, 1CD, MND-N PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq-Following the end of Ramadan, Iraqi police officers at the Bushariya Police Station in the Kirkuk province of Iraq have increased area security to ensure the safety of citizens in their community.

This station's police officers are supported by Soldiers, from 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, who provide key assets at the request of police officers.

"We have 24 hour patrols going on in the area," said 1st Sgt. Najeef Hassan, a policeman at the station.

"We have at least two patrols with six to seven policemen out at any given time to secure the area," he said.

Team member and platoon leader, 1st Lt. Sean Grevious, of 4th Squad, 9th Cavalry Regiment works with the Bushariya IP, and says the station has increased the frequency of their patrols during a celebratory time called Bayram.

Bayram is the Turkish word for celebration, and this particular celebration lasts for three days following the end of Ramadan. The Government of Iraq ended the nearly month-long observance of Ramadan Sept. 19.

"I told everyone to open their eyes and ears," said Cpt. Fikrit Murdan Mustafa, the chief of the Bushariyah IP Station.

Fikrit said he dispatched special patrols to guard key areas in the community to make sure residents of the area have a peaceful holiday.

"We did this special to ensure their safety," he said.

The station also bulked up security checkpoints, which operate around the clock to keep insurgent elements out of the community.

"The checkpoints have been very effective in keeping insurgents and their materials out," said Fikrit.

The 4th Squadron 9th Cavalry Regiment pledged its assistance to the community during Bayram in the form of military working dogs, extra Soldiers and aerial support, Grevious said.

"We want to reassure them they have our support," he said.

Although this holiday will soon be over, the IP in the area are committed to continuing to improve Bushariya's safety.

"It's very safe in our area," Najeef said."We are really working a lot in the area. It is safer here because the police are out so frequently."