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Muthanna Chemical Complex Now Under Civilian Control

October 31st, 2008 | Comments Off

An area formerly used by Iraq’s Baath party to produce chemical and biological weapons has taken a turn for the better. The area, known to coaliton forces as the “Tri-Cities”, encompasses Iraq’s government-planned housing areas of Jiko, Sattack, Mukalan and their outlying farming areas. The Tri-Cities City Council was formed only three months ago, and has quickly established itself as the local government in the region. But only recently has security in the area improved enough to allow the council to provide governance in the area. According to CIA reports, the Iraqi chemical facility, the Muthanna Chemical Complex, dominated the area but was left in ruins after precision bombing attacks on Saddam Hussein’s infrastructures during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. The facility employed hundreds of Iraqis, and included housing to make working there … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Rebuilding, War on Terror

Emergency Phone Network Expands to Al Anbar

October 21st, 2008 | Comments Off

Iraqis have been able to take charge and save lives thanks to their Advanced First Responder Network (AFRN). AFRN works the same way the ‘911’ emergency phone service does in the United States, except they dial ‘104’ here. It serves as the backbone emergency communication link between Iraqi citizens and emergency services. The network has now expanded across the Al Anbar region, decreasing the amount of preventable deaths across Iraq. Installed in 15 major cities, more than 18 million people have access to the system. “Baghdad leaders depend on this network,” said Iraqi Maj. Gen. Saad, Ministry of Interior director of communication. “This is very important to us.” With one phone call, trained dispatchers send the emergency messages to the correct responders. Police, fire and emergency services and diplomatic protection services are only some … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Rebuilding, War on Terror

Doctors Visit Sudanese Refugees in Iraq

September 2nd, 2008 | Comments Off

Doctors Visit Sudanese Refugees in Iraq

Navy Lt. Michael W. Pruitt, 34, battalion surgeon, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5, examines a 5-year-old Sudanese girl’s mouth during a medical engagement in western al-Anbar province, Iraq, Aug. 25, 2008. A large group of Sudanese refugees living in tents were visited by a group of friendly faces, Aug. 25, 2008. Marines and Sailors with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5 visited the community of Sudanese refugees near Al Waleed, … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Medicine, Military

Marines Scrag 3 in Anbar

August 15th, 2008 | Comments Off

Marines with Regimental Combat Team 5 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion killed three insurgents Aug. 14 in southwestern Anbar province. Near the scene of the engagement, the Marines discovered two suicide vests, two drums of 14.5 mm ammunition, 3,000 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, one loaded RPG launcher, three AK-47 assault rifles and an assortment of TNT explosives with detonation cord. No Coalition forces were injured in the incident. “The security in Iraq is improving, but it’s still dangerous because bad people remain out there. No matter where the bad guys are, we’re going to find them and we’re going to get them,” said Lt. Col. Russ Smith, the battalion commander of 2nd LAR. MNF-I … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Marines, Terrorist Death Watch, War on Terror

Micro-grants Building Iraqi Economy

July 25th, 2008 | Comments Off

A large percentage of new businesses in the U.S. fail within the first year. Starting a business in Iraq is no different, if not harder, but with the help of Marines with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, four Iraqi businessmen have hopes of beating the odds. Senior leaders of the company met with the businessmen, a carpenter, a pharmacist, a car painter and a mechanic, July 7, at Gnather Iraqi police station and handed them each a micro-grant to help jump start their businesses. The grants were available as part of the Micro-grant Program, started by RCT-1 in an effort to improve the economy in its area of operations by supporting small business owners. Approximately $10,000 was distributed among the four businessmen, who were chosen based … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Rebuilding, War on Terror

A Symbol of Progress in Ramadi

July 23rd, 2008 | Comments Off

A Symbol of Progress in Ramadi

The Provincial Government Center for al Anbar, located in the heart of downtown Ramadi, was a vicious and violent battleground for much of the last five years. But as the city emerges from the violence that has plagued it for so long, thanks in part to Iraqi and coalition forces’ security efforts, the center now stands as a as a symbol of peace and stability. Governmental leaders operate there daily, overseeing a variety of departments critical … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Rebuilding, War on Terror

Ramadi Cleans Up Nice

June 25th, 2008 | Comments Off

Ramadi, the Jewel of the Anbar province, bears along it streets and on the walls of the pockmarked buildings the scars of war. The faces of its citizens show the memory of a historic city brought to near destruction by the vicious battles that have taken place in its streets for almost half a decade. However, with recent security developments and cooperation between the Iraqi government, Iraqi security forces and coalition forces, the city is returning to its proud status as the capital of al Anbar. The Iraqi people continue to progress forward and take the lead in fighting terrorists and rebuilding Ramadi. They are patching up the bullet holes, repaving war-torn streets, and the citizens are walking proudly with the look of hope in their eyes; the city is theirs again. “The … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Rebuilding, War on Terror

Decreased Violence – Fallujah Hospital Halls Empty

June 5th, 2008 | Comments Off

The halls remain empty, the sirens are silent, the only thing collecting on the floor is dust from the staff walking in and out; boredom is consistent, and no one is complaining. This is the state of one of the U.S. forces most actively used hospitals in Iraq, Fallujah Surgical. Fallujah Surgical, once a frequent stop for combat casualties, is no longer treating many injured warriors in combat due to the sharp decrease in violence in al Anbar province, but is instead a clinic treating common day-to-day injuries. The sign outside the emergency entrance, although minute, has big meaning… “No blood needed at this time.” According to reports, May of 2008 held the lowest number of coalition casualties since 2004. Much of that can be contributed to the combined efforts of … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, War on Terror

From “Ambush Alley” to Peaceful Ally

May 21st, 2008 | Comments Off

Step after step, combat boots hit the pavement. It’s been a few hours for the Marine squad walking the Ramadi streets. Fatigued yet steady, the young men push forward on their routine foot patrol despite the mid-day desert heat; each squad member maintaining a constant alertness with eyes scanning the environment in every direction. The squad leader passes by a familiar face; a local vender who he sees almost every day. Instantly, the look of exhaustion washes away, and a smile is brought to his face. Lifting his hand, he warmly greets the vender with, “Al salaam a’alaykum.” Every day, Marine infantrymen like those with Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, patrol neighborhoods and actively engage the community of al-Anbar province. But the Marines are not alone … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Marines, Rebuilding, War on Terror

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