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Iraq Commits to Strong Border Security with Surveillance Purchase

Multi-National Force-Iraq

Friday, 04 December 2009

Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 091204-01
Dec. 04, 2009
Contact: pao@iraq.centcom.mil
DSN: 318-852-1332
IRAQNA: 0780-997-5063

Iraq Commits to Strong Border Security with Surveillance Purchase

BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Iraqi Ministry of Interior initiated a $49 million purchase from the United States Nov. 28 of a border surveillance system that provides coverage for large portions of Iraq’s borders with Syria and Iran.

When the system becomes operational in June 2010, Iraqi border police will be monitoring activity along 286 kilometers of Iraq’s Syrian border and 402 kilometers of its border with Iran.

The MoI border committee evaluated multiple border surveillance systems from various nations. It recommended the Interior minister select this system because of the transparent purchase process and its long-term sustainment capabilities. The Iraqi Security Assistance Mission, Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq is working closely with the MoI to facilitate the purchase process.

The surveillance system provides towers with cameras, infra-red sensors, and communication relays to alert a regional command center of border intrusions. The scalable system can be upgraded to include additional sensors, such as radars or high-fidelity cameras. Its modular design allows an increase in its effective area of coverage. It is also capable of communicating information to a central headquarters for assessment.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, MNSTC-I commanding general, said, “Iraq is taking a critical step forward in its efforts to protect its borders from external threats. Combined with other improvements to its border security, the investment in this system significantly enhances security for the people of Iraq.”

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR INTERVIEWS CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL SECURITY TRANSITION COMMAND – IRAQ PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE BY E-MAIL AT PAO@IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL OR BY PHONE AT DSN: (318) 852-1332 OR IRAQNA: 0790-194-0270. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION VISIT: WWW.MNSTCI.IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL .