3rd Iraqi Army assumes responsibility for Sinjar

Photo By Spc. Richard Vogt | The 3rd Battalion 3rd Brigade 3rd Iraqi Army Division marches past the reviewing stand at the assumption of battle space ceremony in Sinjar.  

SINJAR, IRAQ

05.10.2006

Courtesy Story

345th Public Affairs Detachment

SINJAR, Iraq - The 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army assumed responsibility for the region near Sinjar Mountain in the Sinjar Province from Task Force 1-37, 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division in a ceremony here on May 3, 2006. It is the first time that an Iraqi unit has acquired sole responsibility in this part of Iraq.

Col. Nasrula, commander of the 3rd Iraqi Army Battalion, talked about the unit and their accomplishments. He listed the many missions that his unit had conducted and said that they would continue the work they had begun to bring stability to the region.

"We promise God and the people that we will be faithful Soldiers and defeat terrorists," Nasrula said. He also stated that his unit had already detained many insurgents and found numerous weapons caches. The unit meets regularly with Sheiks and local leaders in order to build trust and cooperation between civilians and the military.

"We will strike fear in the hearts of our enemies," said Gen. Oshay, commander of the 3rd Iraqi Army Division. "May God bless this honorable and historic day as we take the lead from Coalition Forces. We have achieved a high level of readiness and are able to defeat terrorists."

"You are freedom fighters," Oshay said to the battalion. According to Oshay, Iraq is made up of people of different religions and ethnicities and that success hinges on their ability to work together. The 3rd Battalion would work with the Iraqi police and the border guards to provide security for the region.

"Fingers gathered into a fist hurt the enemy more," Oshay said. "You are the guards of the western gate of Iraq."

The battalion marched passed the reviewing stand and were followed by light wheeled vehicles, armored vehicles, troop transport vehicles, a water truck, a fuel truck, and an ambulance. Maj. Hanni, a commander in the 3rd Iraqi Army Bn., told attendees that the vehicles will help the unit accomplish its mission.

"This is a very good day, a happy day, a day that Iraqi forces take over from Coalition forces," Hanni said.

• Date Taken: 05.10.2006
• Date Posted: 05.10.2006 09:41
• Story ID: 6335
• Location: SINJAR, IQ