Iraqi Army assumes control of outpost

Photo By Pfc. Michael Schuch | Gen. Abud passes the Iraqi colors to Col. Abati, battalion commander of the 4th Battalion, 34th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, to be hung, signaling the IA's assuming authority of Combat Outpost Cleary during a ceremony Sept. 9, 2008.  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IRAQ

09.13.2008

Story by Pfc. Michael Schuch 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

By Pfc. Michael Schuch
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Public Affairs Office

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Coalition forces handed over a combat outpost in the Salman Pak area to the Iraqi army Sept. 9, 2008.

The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division handed authority of Combat Outpost Cleary to Soldiers of the 4th Battalion, 34th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division in a ceremony at the outpost.

Iraqi soldiers celebrated with song and dance after raising the Iraqi flag, which signified Iraqi authority over the outpost.

A large contingent of Iraqi media attended the event, along with a large crowd of soldiers and leaders of the 9th IA Div., local sheiks and local government leaders.

The transfer of COP Cleary illustrates the progress of Iraqi security forces and improved security in the area. Violent attacks against CF and ISF dropped to an average of less than one attack per day – in large part due to the actions of the ISF and Sons of Iraq.

The transition to the IA emphasizes the transformation of the area. The IA now conducts the security operations in the area, has proven their skills and demonstrated their ability to defend the Iraqi people, keeping the area free of extremist forces.

Maj. Gen. Qassim, commander of the 9th IA Div., addressed the IA Soldiers during the ceremony about the importance of the ISF taking an ever greater lead in providing security for Iraq.

• Date Taken: 09.13.2008
• Date Posted: 09.13.2008 04:57
• Story ID: 23592
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IQ