Iraqi, Coalition leaders hold press conference on progress of Operation Together Forward

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Steven Petibone | Company C Soldiers (far right) observe Kurdish basic training Soldiers lining up for breakfast during their visit to Zahko basic training military academy.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

08.21.2006

Courtesy Story

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

by Master Sgt. Eric Lobsinger
2nd BCT PAO, 1st Arm. Div.

BAGHDAD – Brig. Gen. Abdul Jaleel Kahlaiaf, commander, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, along with Col. Robert Scurlock Jr., commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, discussed operations in support of Operation Together Forward in the southwestern Baghdad neighborhood of Ameriyah Wednesday.

Operation Together Forward began Sunday for the brigade and continues to improve the lives of Iraqis in the Baghdad area.

Jaleel said he was optimistic of the recent successes of the Iraqi army in Baghdad resulting in the reduction of violence.

"Together, we have reduced the number of acts of terrorism which ... is a victory for all Iraqi people," said Jaleel, through an interpreter.

He also emphasized the importance of the Iraqi citizens working together with Coalition Forces to bring those responsible for violence to justice because the operation is "symbolic in Iraq's fight against terrorism."

Scurlock emphasized the importance of the combined partnership with the 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division.

"As a result of the increased violence in Iraq," he said, "the government of Iraq requested additional forces to come to Baghdad to help stem the violence ... we've had the honor to work with the 1st brigade, 6th Division, as well as the 3rd Brigade, 6th Division."

Iraqi and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers searched every building in Ameriyah, totaling about 6,000 structures, with the focus on clearing the area of weapons and interacting with the local population.

Operation Together Forward also served to clean the debris and trash, and to demonstrate to the people of Ameriyah that they can have a better life.

"Additionally," said Col. Scurlock, "we took surveys, did a census, registered weapons and registered cars."

The combined forces are working closely with the citizens of Ameriyah and local government officials to identify and resource local needs and set conditions for future growth.

"With unity and security, (the people of Ameriyah) can have prosperity," added Scurlock.

• Date Taken: 08.21.2006
• Date Posted: 08.21.2006 13:41
• Story ID: 7515
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ