MOSUL — Maj. Gen. Hassan Karim, commander, Ninewa Operations Command, traveled to Al Kazer for the opening of a new Iraqi Army (IA) brigade headquarters, May 28.  For the mostly Arab IA, the new brigade is unique; made up of more than two-thirds Kurdish Soldiers and located close to the Kurdish regional government.

Upon arriving at the new headquarters, Hassan was greeted by Brig. Gen. Natheer Asim Amin, commander, 5th brigade, 2nd IA division, and his senior officers.

Accompanying Hassan to Al Kazer was Brig. Gen. Robert Brown, deputy commanding general (support), Multi-National Division - North; Col. Brian Vines, commander, NOC training team; Brig. Gen. Jamiel Ali, Kurdish liaison officer; and several members of their command staffs.

The group gathered to discuss operations of the new brigade before taking a tour of the new base facilities. In addition, the group talked about the joint efforts needed from both Kurds and Arabs to provide a safe and secure Iraq.

Hassan spoke about cooperation and coordination as being keys to success in Iraq, and that they are all Iraqis and how they must work together for the future of their country.

Natheer added to the subject of a joint operation headquarters by stating that the base would be a bridge to strengthening the relationship between the Kurds and Arabs.

Furthermore, Hassan and Natheer thanked Brown and the other Soldiers for the Coalition support and funding in getting the headquarters built and operational.

"We're very proud to have helped give you a new facility for your headquarters," replied Brown.

Following their meeting, the group took a tour of the new headquarters making a brief stop at the aid station to ensure proper medical treatment can be provided to the Soldiers there.

They moved on to a large warehouse where the brigade's Soldiers were standing in formation awaiting Hassan's arrival. Hassan had the Soldiers gather around him as he spoke to them about their commitment to service and to their country.

The tour of the headquarters ended as the group gathered in the dining facility and enjoyed a meal that had been prepared by members of the brigade.