Stryker Brigade News

Ali and Lt. Col. Bradley Becker opened the meeting, followed by a moment of silence for two soldiers recently killed in action, Lt. Ra’id Ferman Abdullah and First Sergeant Ali Ahmad Ali.

One of the biggest ideas discussed at the meeting was a Mosul Peaceful March, proposed by Ali. Still in the concept phase, the march will take place in Mosul in the next month. It will involve many of the local leaders from Mosul and the Tigris River Valley in order to demonstrate to the terrorists that they are not wanted in Mosul and must leave. All present at the meeting, including Rodriguez, were very enthusiastic about supporting the march.

A 5-minute slide show, created by Sgt. Dianna Ross, highlighted the many civil affairs projects in TF Automatic’s Area of Operation.

Maj. Gen. Khalil, 3rd Iraqi Army Brigade Commander, and Maj. Gen. Khalif Ahmed, Mosul Iraqi Police Chief, then spoke to the local leaders.

Ahmed spoke of villages in need of attention. “Tal Afar must be cleaned up,” he said. “Who here is willing to help make Tal Afar a more secure village?”

At this point, several Kurdish sheiks and muktars rose to their feet. They raised their hands with enthusiasm, claiming, “We will go to Tal Afar. We will speak with the leaders there and guide them to a cleaner, safer environment!”

Sheiks from Hammam Al Alil, Sharqat, and Heychel, and an Imam from Qayarrah, then approached the podium separately. “We are from one country, one family.”

Other sheiks spoke of forming a committee. “I would like to propose the idea that all shieks and muktars establish a committee in order to meet with the people of the government regularly,” said one sheik. “We must all work together to improve the security and economy of the Tigris River Valley.”

Detainees were also an issue discussed at today’s meeting. “We are prepared to take full responsibility for [the released detainees]. We will teach them and guide them to do the right thing,” claimed one local leader, concerning detainees soon to be released from Mosul, Irbil and other detention facilities.

TF Automatic Economics Officer Cpt. Dan Florey gave an update on water projects in the Ninewah Province. “As you can see on the projected map, we have five water projects completed and four in progress. More importantly, we have 10 water projects that have yet to be started.” It will take support from the local leaders of villages such as Chayalah, Al Hadr, Awsijah, Kubota and Al Zawiah to get these irrigation projects started, explained Florey.

“I am confident Mosul and surrounding villages will become safer and safer,” Ali said in his closing remarks. “When you return to your villages, immediately go out and start working to make your area safe.”

Each month’s Regional Security Council meeting involves more key leaders of the area. It is an opportunity for the local sheiks and muktars to come together and discuss concerns of their villages. The meeting also serves as a chance for Coalition and Iraqi forces to learn about what needs attention in our area of operation.