Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 081027-02
October 27, 2008
Contact:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
DSN:  318-852-1332
IRAQNA:  0790-194-0270

Iraqi Oil Police look to secure Iraq’s critical oil infrastructure
BAGHDAD – The Commander of Iraq’s Oil Police expects to be able to protect Iraq’s oil pipeline infrastructure by 2012 if resources are available to accomplish his strategic plan.   Maj. Gen. Hamid, Oil Police commander, presented the key points of his strategic plan to Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, commander, Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, during an informal meeting on 27 October.  Hamid outlined the short, medium and long-term goals of taking over protection of Iraq’s pipelines from Ministry of Defense infrastructure battalions by 2012.  “Financial allocations are the biggest challenge for taking over for MoD assets,” said Hamid. 

The Oil Police Directorate, with ten battalions, transitioned to the Ministry of Interior in early 2008. These battalions have worked together with MoD infrastructure battalions to protect over 7500km of oil pipelines throughout Iraq.  These additional security forces accounted for a 90% decrease in smuggling and transgression activities along the oil pipelines since 2007.  An additional seven battalions are planned to be formed in 2009, with a total of 22 battalions planned for fielding by 2012.  “The Oil Police Commander and MoI recognize the importance the role Oil Police play in the protection and security of Iraq’s critical oil pipeline infrastructure,” said Helmick. 

The General Directorate of Oil Police is assisted by members of MNSTC-I’s Ministry of Interior Transition Team (MoI-TT) members in planning how best to generate the capacity necessary to take over the security role in Iraq.  “There are challenges ahead, but it is obvious the Oil Police Directorate and the MoI are in synch with each other and dedicated to improving the security situation in Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Bob Goodrich, MoI-TT Oil Police Team Chief.

-30-

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL SECURITY TRANSITION COMMAND – IRAQ PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE BY E-MAIL AT This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it OR BY PHONE AT DSN: (318) 852-1332 OR IRAQNA: 0790-194-0270.  FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION VISIT:  WWW.MNSTCI.IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL .