Samarra Press Conference Part 3, Original with Ending

IRAQ

10.05.2004

Courtesy Video

196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Major General John Batiste, Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division, and the Provincial Governor of Salah ad Din, take questions from the media about the attack to free Samarra at the beginning of October. The Governor speaks in Arabic and the English translation is barely audible. MG Batiste says the enemy turned civilian houses into strong points for attacking Iraqi and coalition forces. Return fire is precise. U.S. forces are still in Samarra, but will dwindle as Iraqi police forces mature. An Iraqi special police battalion also remains to clear the enemy. They intend to stand up a very capable police force. He says infrastructure projects are being reassessed, and that local leaders will make decisions about reopening the bridge. All projects will be coordinate with provincial and city councils to make sure the money is going where it's needed. MG Batiste talks about the future of detainees captured and finding out who thay are, and how Samarra residents can make a claim for compensation. He points out the decision to attack came from the interim Iraqi government, and how his commanders will eventually relinquish control to Iraqi police. Video from 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. See related video of military action in Samarra in the "Iraq" section. This segment is not available in high quality. Also see "Samarra Press Conference" (Parts 1 through 10) in this section, available in high quality, but incomplete.

• Date Taken: 10.05.2004
• Date Posted: 10.12.2004 15:32
• Category: Briefings
• Video ID: 753
• Filename: 041006_GEN_Batiste-Gov_Press_Conference_on_Samarra_Pt3
• Length: 00:17:37
• Location: IQ