Good News From Iraq

Release A060523b
MND-B and Iraqi leaders meet to discuss the future of Iraqi security

BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Multi-National Division – Baghdad commander along with key members of his staff met with governors and local leaders from Babil and Karbala provinces May 22 for the second time in as many months to discuss the security situation in their areas.

“This is a historic time in the history of Iraq ,” said Maj. Gen. J.D. Thurman, commander, MND-B. “We must work together to achieve the same common goal of a secure Iraq .”

Though the two governors are from different areas, they both expressed the same optimism stemming from the recent progress made by the Iraqi government in choosing a prime minister and his cabinet.

“We are looking forward to working with the Council of Representatives and the new government to continue the progress toward security in Iraq ,” said Dr. Aqeel Mahmud Karim Al Khaz'ali, Karbala governor.

He was especially appreciative of the recent work done by Coalition Forces in the assisting of local farmers with date palm spraying. The countries second largest export had become infested with dubas bugs, which threatened to destroy the much needed crop.

Thurman also focused much of the meeting on the provinces' progress towards assuming overall security control.

According to Army leaders at the meeting, their main goal is to support the government of Iraq and Multi National Force – Iraq's initiative to transfer security to the provincial government once the police in the province are qualified and the security situation is improved.

Both governors at the meetings promised to work closely with Coalition leaders in order to improve the security situation.

“We must work together to bring peace,” said Salim Salih Medi, governor of Babil.

Release A060524a
Coalition Forces kill three terrorists
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces located and killed three al-Qaida associates in the vicinity of Yusifiyah at approximately 7:30 p.m. May 23 while searching for a wanted al-Qaida terrorist.

The terrorists had been driving a vehicle containing grenades and small arms. One of the terrorists was wearing a suicide vest.

No Coalition forces or civilians were injured.

Four terrorists killed, two detained near Lake Thar Thar
Baghdad , Iraq – Coalition Forces killed four terrorists and detained two during operations east of Lake Thar Thar at approximately 5:30 p.m. May 23. Upon assault, two suspects immediately surrendered. Four others who attempted to engage the forces were killed.

One of the two detainees is Sudanese. The other detainee, of unknown citizenship, was wounded in the initial raid, treated on site, and medically evacuated to the 10th Combat Support Hospital .

The forces found Yemeni, Saudi Arabian, Tunisian, Sudanese and several Iraqi passports.

No civilians were harmed during this raid. ** Some terrorist scum will not be down for breakfast this morning.

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