Soldiers Defend Camp Justice and Iraqis During Shiite Holy Pilgrimage

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.16.2004

Courtesy Story

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By Pfc. Al Barrus

BAGAHDAD, Iraq -- The beating of drums and the lyrics of Muslim prayers could be heard well within the confines of 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment's patrol base, Camp Justice. The footsteps of tens of thousands of Shiite Muslim pilgrims could be heard as they marched to the Kadhamiyah Holy Shrine just outside the secluded military post, Sept. 11.

This annual event, marking the martyrdom of a Shia holy Imam, Musa Al Kadhim who died1,000 years ago, would call for extra security as the multitudes of men, women and children marched through the streets to take part in this age-old tradition.Though there are many similar pilgrimages to the shrine each year, the Al Kadhim pilgrimage is the largest. During past pilgrimages, violence has erupted.

"There was a lot of preparation involved in the security for this event," said Capt. Seung Ryu, the operations planning officer for 1-5 Cav. "We've had a lot of Soldiers working closely with the Iraqi national guard, Iraqi police, and the private shrine guards to prevent and deal with any violent activity that might breakout during the march.

"The added security measures called upon nearly all of the elements on Camp Justice as well as additional military police units from other installations in Baghdad to cover down on security operations. Soldiers as well as ING and IP forces conducted counter-mortar patrols, traffic control points around the perimeter of the march and beefed up security at Camp Justice's gates, while remaining elements stood by as a quick-reaction force.

The need for the extra troops came at the request of the local Iraqi government, but it was also inspired by the events of previous Shia pilgrimages. "I anticipate just large amounts of people shouting and maybe throwing stones," said 1st Lt. John Erickson, 630th Military Police Company. "We are prepared to react to just about anything."

But luckily, the crowd of Iraqis brought little more to the situation than the loud singing and other customs that come with the tradition. Some of the pilgrims displayed pictures of radical Shiite cleric and militia leader Muqtada Al Sadr, but showed no acts of violence.

"It was relatively quiet here inside the walls on the base," Ryu said. "You wouldn't be able to tell anything unusual was going on. The biggest difference is we have an increased uniform requirement just as a precautionary measure." The Multi-National troops came prepared and expected the worse at the largest Shia pilgrimage to Kadhamiyah of the year, but were pleasantly surprised that there was no violence during the march.

"The Iraqi people got what they wanted from us; we helped keep the peace." Ryu said. "We minimized our presence in the event to put the Iraqi face on this, and for the most part, I think we succeeded."

• Date Taken: 09.16.2004
• Date Posted: 09.16.2004 10:06
• Story ID: 378
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ