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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080301-11
March 1, 2008

Baquba area Sons of Iraq agree to return to their duties

Multi-National Division – North PAO

DIYALA, Iraq – Abna al-Iraq or Sons of Iraq from Baquba agreed to return to their duties following a meeting Feb. 29 with the provincial government, Diyala Operations commander, and Coalition forces at the Diyala Governance Center.

“We discussed the situation in detail today and all parties agreed that the Sons of Iraq and their leaders would return to work,” said Lt. Col. John Steele, deputy commander for the 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 2nd Infantry Division.

The meeting was attended by Steele; Diyala deputy governor, Hapeth; Baquba SoI leader, Abu Talib; SoI spokesperson for Baquba, Abu Ali; Staff Maj. Gen. Kareem; and Dr. Hussein, the provincial committee chairman for SoI Affairs.

Media reports of thousands of Diyala security volunteers refusing to stand their duties were inaccurate. A small number of SoI in East Baquba did temporarily refuse to work, while their disputes were being worked out. At no time did this result in a decreased level of security in the city.

There are an estimated 11,000 SoIs serving in Diyala, with approximately 3,000 to 5,000 in Baquba, all of whom work closely with the more than 18,000 Iraqi Police throughout the Province.

“This was an Iraqi issue that required an Iraqi, political solution. They worked out an equitable solution and the Coalition is appreciative of their dedication and continued service to Iraq,” said Maj. Mike Garcia, spokesman for the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

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