Photo By Sgt. George Welcome | Iraqi army soldiers from 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, march by as part of a...... read more read more
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Story by Maj. Jose Garcia,
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
FOB MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq - The 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division officially assumed responsibility for security in parts of Mahmudiyah, Yusufiyah and Lutufiyah during a Transfer of Authority ceremony Aug. 14.
During the ceremony held at the Iraqi army Compound in Mahmudiyah, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, transferred to the Iraqi Brigade known as the "Desert Lion" absolute responsibility for security of a region that includes roughly 322 square kilometers in South Baghdad and is referred to by many as the "Triangle of Death."
Local sheiks, community leaders and senior military leaders that 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, worked closely with throughout the past 11 months were also in attendance during the hour-long ceremony which included a pass and review of the Iraqi troops and a demonstration of combat tactics by the Iraqi soldiers.
Lt. Col. Eric Conrad, commander, 2nd Brigade Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, and Military Transition Team Chief for the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, worked closely with the leadership and soldiers of the brigade and was proud to see the progress that they have made in the past 11 months.
"I am very proud of the Soldiers of this unit, they have demonstrated that they are ready to move forward to the next level and take responsibility for security of this area," said Conrad.
In addition to security provided by the Iraqi army in this area, soldiers from 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, often are directly engaged with many humanitarian and other local civic actions. The unit has provided security for many essential service construction projects, it has physically helped repair local schools and it has actively improved local area appearance and pride in the community.
"In addition to fighting well and ensuring the security of Iraqis in key areas of South Baghdad, the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, has done a great job in working to improve essential services and quality of life in the area," said Col. Todd Ebel, Commander 2nd Brigade Combat Team. "The brigade's soldiers have helped repair several local schools and other facilities long neglected; many have simply selflessly served their people and are committed to making) their communities better."
Ebel expressed his full confidence in the soldiers and leadership of the Iraqi soldiers.
"Col. Ali is a true patriot I have watched him and his brave soldiers continue to excel and keep up the fight against terrorists and other insurgents," said Ebel. "I do not make this statement lightly. For many reasons the fight in South Baghdad is unlike other areas; it is arguably the most complex and most lethal area in all of Iraq. To operate here and to be effective in balancing lethal and non-lethal counterinsurgency tasks takes raw courage, patience and a strong will to persevere under the harshest conditions." Ebel continued. "Daily Col. Ali and his men do just that and they have been phenomenal. I am very proud of them."
Ebel pointed out that the security of the area does not reside only with the Iraqi army and other Coalition Security Forces.
"The future of Iraq and its security does not lie with Iraqi Security Forces alone," said Ebel. "It is the people that must choose peace, freedom and prosperity and cooperate to achieve it. It is only by working together can Iraqis move forward in their desire for a peaceful and prosperous future."
The 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division assumed responsibility of the Lutufiyah area, the southern part of the triangle, from 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, June 15.
A month later the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division assumed responsibility for the city of Mahmudiyah and the surrounding countryside, from 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment.
The 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division has demonstrated that they are well prepared for their task of security in southern Baghdad and have moved together forward to meet this challenge.
"I am proud to have served and trained with such a great group of soldiers. They are a superb unit and ready to assume this important task of security for south Baghdad." said Conrad.
| Date Taken: | 08.16.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 08.16.2006 17:44 |
| Story ID: | 7455 |
| Location: | MAHMUDIYAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 422 |
| Downloads: | 139 |
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