Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070409-04
April 9, 2007

Iraqi Police join the security mission in Diwaniyah
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO 4th BCT, 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs

DIWANIYAH, Iraq – Operation Black Eagle moved into a new phase of
operations with the Iraqi police joining the Iraqi Army and Coalition force members in
security operations here April 8.

Iraqi police began manning key checkpoints throughout the city, further
adding to the security forces already in place.

“The Iraqi police are now out in force helping to enforce the rule of law in
Diwaniyah,” said Col. Michael Garrett, commander of the 4th Brigade Combat
Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division.

The Iraqi police were not involved in the initial operation for many reasons.
They were asked to stay at their stations in order to protect them from the
possibility of reprisal attacks from the militias.

“The Iraqi Police lacked the training necessary to conduct this type of
operation,” said Brig. Gen. Sadiq Jafar Ali, provincial police chief. “Thanks to the
help and expertise of the Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces, the Iraqi police will
now be able to cooperate with them to secure the city.”

The Iraqi Army was asked by the government of Iraq to rid the town of
militia members and other terrorist groups who had waged a campaign of murder
and intimidation against the people of Diwaniyah and the security forces charged
with protecting them.

Summing up the attacks, Maj. Gen. Oothman Farhood, commander of the
8th Iraqi Army Division and leader of the assault against the militia, mentioned
hundreds of attacks and dozens of kidnappings and murders in the city.

“We have received more than 700 requests for the help of the Iraqi Army
from the people of Diwaniyah,” he said. “The Iraqi Army is here for the people of
Iraq and to help the Iraqi police provide security for the citizens of Diwaniyah.”

According to Oothman, Operation Black Eagle has achieved tremendous
success, but much work remains. From capturing terrorists and their weapons to
giving the people of Diwaniyah the hope of returning to their normal lives, the
cooperation of the Iraqi Army and their counterparts is moving into the next
phase of operations.

Fighting continued in the city April 8 as the Iraqi Army and Coalition
Forces captured 39 militia members and several larges caches of weapons and
explosives.

“We have freed the people of Diwaniyah from murder and intimidation that
have plagued the city 24 hours a day, seven days a week for months,” Oothman
said.

Even with the assurances, concerns remain about the future security of
the city once the Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces leave the city.

“As with all wars, this is not a one or two-day event,” Oothman stated.
“We are going to be here until we have returned security and stability to
Diwaniyah.”

Maj. Gen. Pawel Lamla, commander of the Multi National Division-Central
South also talked about a long and thorough rebuilding and restructuring plan.

“As you can see, we are here together as a coalition of many countries for
a common goal,” he said. “We are here for the benefit of the city of Diwaniyah
and its people.”

Lamla also discussed the next phase of Operation Black Eagle, securing
the city and repairing damage caused by the fighting.

“The terrorists and militias seek to destroy the city. We want to destroy
the militias and rebuild and repair the damages that have occurred,” Lamla said.
He also talked of the link between the new Baghdad security plan and the ongoing
operations in Diwaniyah.

“As the Baghdad security plan goes into its next phase, we will do the
same. We are going to establish joint security stations throughout the city. The
Iraqi Army and police will supervise the stations alongside Coalition Forces,”
Lamla said. “With the JSS (Joint Security Station), we will maintain a constant
presence within the city and improve the capability of the Iraqi police at the same
time.

“As soon as the Iraqi police are capable, we will return security
responsibilities to them,” Lamla continued. “Until then, we will do what is
required, for as long as it takes to make Diwaniyah safe.”

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