Sons of Iraq members and Iraqi Police in Riyadh thwarted an attempt by terrorists to place a bicycle laden with explosives near a busy market area Sept. 21.

SoI and IP, at a nearby checkpoint, observed a truck whose occupants unloaded a bicycle then left it as they departed the area at a high-rate of speed. Upon further investigation, they noticed a suspicious white bag attached to the bicycle’s frame, and immediately notified Soldiers of Delta Company, 1-87 Inf. Regt., located nearby at Patrol Base Howell. SoI and IP commonly work together in this city.

“We are grateful for the brave public servants of Iraq to include the Iraqi Police and the Sons of Iraq who acted quickly to avert what might have been a horrendous attack against the citizens of Riyadh as felt today in another attack just outside the city of Kirkuk, the provincial capital,” Lt. Col. Christopher Vanek, commander, 1st Battalion, 87th Inf. Regt., 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division said.

A Coalition forces explosive ordinance disposal team was dispatched to the scene and confirmed the presence of an improvised explosive device. The EOD team safely facilitated its removal—detonating the device at a secure location.

“Today’s event symbolizes everything the terrorist and insurgents represent. While Iraqi Security Forces and the Coalition force do everything possible to respect the significance of Ramadan, the terrorists use a child’s toy to potentially cause death and destruction to the innocent, unsuspecting residents of Riyadh during this sacred, holy month,” Vanek said.

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Playing chess with the Iraqi Police is one way that the Soldiers of Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment spend their free time at Joint Security Station Five, just outside of Numaniyah, Iraq.

Two groups of IPs from Special Response Team Three rotate out to the JSS every week.

“The most important thing we do is work with the IPs,” said Sgt. Nicholas Weisenberger, Btry. A, 2-20th FA Regt. “We learn a lot from them. They’re real good at identifying what is normal and what isn’t out at the traffic control point.”

Weisenberger recalled an example of when an eighteen-wheeler driver had pulled over on the side of the road outside the JSS and got out to check out his rig. The IPs explained to the Soldier on guard, that truck drivers often pull over to check their mufflers and engines, to make sure everything is working all right.

The IPs insightful knowledge of the area and people helps the Soldiers differentiate between what could be perceived as a threat and a normal action, said Weisenberger.

“They know what they’re doing,” he added.

Soldiers at the JSS also spend evenings playing volleyball with the IPs, which improves the camaraderie and friendship.

“They’re eager to learn and they bond real well with our Soldiers,” he said.

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An unwilling female suicide bomber was detained in Baqubah Aug. 24 by Iraqi Police.

The unwilling suicide bomber surrendered to the IPs rather than detonating herself and potentially killing or wounding bystanders. After identifying the suicide vest on the woman, IPs requested Iraqi and Coalition force Explosive Ordnance Disposal units to remove the vest.

After her detainment, the woman led IPs to a second suicide vest. The IPs secured the vest and detained a 13-year-old female.

“This incident indicates that Iraqi women understand their importance in society and value life,” said Maj. Jon Pendell, a 2nd Stryker Brigade Cavalry Regiment spokesperson. “The surrender of the suicide bomber indicates that the Iraqis are continuing to reject al-Qaeda and its practices. The Police will ensure the rule of law prevails and those responsible are brought to justice.”

Both females are currently in the custody of the IP.

The incident is still under investigation.

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For more than a year, the former Ba’ath Party stronghold of Siniyah was without its main thoroughfare for trade and commerce, but that all changed as the city’s Mayor officially opened Market Street during a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 26.

More than 40 shops and small businesses were forced to close due to the lack of business when the restriction of the road was announced in July of 2007.

The Joint Security Station located near the market area was vulnerable to vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, causing Iraqi Security and Coalition forces to take measures ensuring the safety of the forces housed there.

Market Street was also closed due to the high levels of violence and the significant number of attacks the area was experiencing.

“Shop owners were anxious to reopen their shops,” said Capt. Aaron Billingsley, commander of U.S. forces in Siniyah.

The recent successes in Siniyah are directly contributed to the hard work of the joint efforts by the Iraqi Police, Iraqi Army, Sons of Iraq, City Council, Coalition forces and the people of Siniyah, Billingsley said. There is now an opportunity for them to improve the local economy in the city.

“There are micro-grants and micro-loans that will be offered to some of the shops,” said Billingsley. “This will help them expand their businesses and revitalize the economy.”

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Marines geared for war walk in tactical columns through the once mean streets of Fallujah, ready for what may lay around the next corner.

“Mister, mister shokalata! Shokalata!”shout exuberant children from a crowded neighborhood as Marines and Iraqi police pass out candy.

Marines with Company B, Police Transition Team 8, Regimental Combat Team 1, have been working diligently over the past few months to help train Iraqi police to take over their respective areas and become self-supportive in day-to-day operations in the city.

Recent increases in the number of Iraqi police have drastically subdued the violence in the city.

According to the Fallujah headquarters Chief of Police Col. Faisal, the number of Iraqi policemen has increased this year by more than 1,000 officers, and that is why security is better than it has been in four years.

“These guys are going out on a daily basis by themselves and coming back with suspect arrests,” said Lance Cpl. Andrew L. Walker, a 20-year-old police transition team member from Crane Hill, Ala. “For the most part, they are doing a really good job with many of the issues going on here.”

Marines with the transition team spend time mentoring Iraqi police and work with them to control the Mauallimeen area. Joint patrols in the city work to strengthen relationships with the IPs and Marines, and offer Marines a chance to evaluate how the police operate in various situations.

Team members work with the IPs and teach them specific weapons skills and how to handle their issued pistols and AK-47 assault rifles safely. Lessons are given on a weekly basis inside classrooms at police headquarters, which teach IPs fundamentals of marksmanship and how to function together as a team.

“The IPs are well trained in individual actions and capable of planning and conducting their own operations,” said Sgt. Stan C. Theisen, a 28-year-old platoon sergeant from Warren, Mich. “When we go on patrol, the IPs function the same a way a Marine Corps rifleman would.”

Iraqi Police are now fully functional 24-hours a day and remain alert for any situation that could arise in the city. The communication between local citizens and the IPs have allowed the IPs to regain control of many neighborhoods in the Fallujah area.

Many areas have bulletins posted on buildings and street corners that have the contact numbers for IP stations. Phones at Fallujah stations remain busy, as locals report suspicious activities to officials.

“We have made significant progress over the past few years, but there is still a lot of room for improvement to be made,” said Theisen. “The IPs still need work on learning that they have a chain of command and how to use small unit leadership.”

Police facilities at headquarters district now have commodities such as air-conditioning and electricity, as well as newly-built structural amendments that have given IPs a safer place to work.

Police use their own vehicles to patrol streets and check for unusual activities reported by civilians on a nearly daily basis. This month, 23 more vehicles have been put into operations to help strengthen security on the streets.

“We hope to one day see the Iraqis training themselves, instead of them relying on us for their training,” said Maj. Eric P. Dominijanni, police transition team leader, 35, and native to Forest Hills, N.Y.

Every day, new steps are being taken towards progress in the city. With the coalition forces’ guidance, the Iraq police are ensuring the safety of its community, and in hopes of one day becoming stand-alone, bringing Fallujah back to a state of normalcy.

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By Cpl. Chris T. Mann
Regimental Combat Team 1