National Police assumes control of combat outpost

Photo By Pfc. Evan Loyd | Brig. Gen. Emad, commander of the 1-3-1 National Police, delivers a speech during a transfer of authority ceremony at Combat Outpost Salie Sept. 16, 2008.  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IRAQ

09.20.2008

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 –On Sept. 16, 2008, the 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, handed authority of Combat Outpost Salie to the Shurta of the 1st Battalion, 3rd National Police Brigade.

The Shurta celebrated the transfer of authority with songs and dance after the Iraqi flag was unfurled and raised, signifying Iraqi authority over the outpost.

The transfer of authority symbolizes the transformation of what was once the violent town of Narhwan, which is now a more stable and secure neighborhood.

The NPs in Narhwan have proven their skills and demonstrated their ability to defend their people, removing terrorist forces and keeping the area free of extremist activity.

The NP will now operate out of COP Salie, providing the citizens of the area another stronghold of protection, offering faster response times and even more security than previously possible.

Brig. Gen. Emad, commander of the 1/3/1 NP, spoke to the Shurta in attendance as they celebrated the Iraqi NP's efforts to take an ever greater lead in providing security for the Iraqi people.

Violent attacks against coalition and Iraqi security forces have dropped to an average of less than one attack per day due to the combined actions of coalition forces, ISF and Sons of Iraq. The ISF have grown into a professional force able to plan, prepare and execute offensive operations on their own

• Date Taken: 09.20.2008
• Date Posted: 09.20.2008 04:14
• Story ID: 23903
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IQ