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Freedom is never easy

MNF Iraq
Story by Spc. Rick Rzepka, Scimitar Assistant Editor

Freedom is never easy. This was the overarching theme in Husaybah as distinguished guests from the Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Defense and Coalition Forces converged on Husaybah in the Euphrates River valley. The event symbolized the securing of the port-of-entry from Syria to Iraq.

Gen. George Casey, Multi-National Force – Iraq commanding general, along with Saadoun al-Dulaimi, Iraq MOD, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Ali Muhsin Al-Khafaggi, deputy MOI supporting
forces, and Marine Col. Stephen W. Davis watched as the Iraqi flag was raised by Iraqi Soldiers in the dusty town, which was cleared of insurgents as part on an effort to stop the flow of terrorists across Iraq’s borders, Operation Steel Curtain.

“This is a historic day for Iraq,” said al-Dulaimi on the success of the border operations. “I will not forget this day. The insurgents are no longer controlling the border. Our friends have helped us. We are now a country of freedom, of human rights and of peace.”

As a platoon of MOD Iraqi Soldiers and a platoon of MOI ‘Desert Wolves’ stood under one flag, the cooperation and resolve of the respective ministries was apparent.

“Today signifies the ability of MOI and MOD to work together,” said Marine Col. Mike Pannell, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force. “They should be
able to operate independently by June 2006.”

The progress in securing Iraq’s borders is a significant step toward victory in Iraq, said Davis.
“Presence equals security,” said Davis, the Regimental Combat Team 2 commanding officer. “This will bring stability to the region. Operation Steel Curtain has neutralized the
insurgent’s presence and activities in the region, while Iraqi forces have established a permanent presence throughout the Euphrates River valley. I am encouraged by the progress to date. Together we are marching forward to provide greater security, as Iraq rejoins the world of nations.”

Since border operations began, Iraqi and Coalition forces have cleared and secured former enemy controlled areas. In a speech on the same day, President Bush pointed to the need for enhanced security along Iraq’s borders. “Many (of the terrorists) are foreigners who are coming to fight freedom’s progress in Iraq,” said the President. “This group includes terrorists from Saudi Arabia and Syria and Iran and Egypt and Sudan and Yemen and Libya and other countries.”


This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 14th, 2005 at 1:00 pm and is filed under War on Terror, Iraq, Military, War on Terror, Iraq, Rebuilding, War on Terror. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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