Good News From The War On Terror 4/6
SOLDIERS PROVIDE MEDICAL ATTENTION TO RESIDENTS IN RADWINIYAH
BAGHDAD - Scenes of anticipation could be observed early March 29 outside the Al-Swaib school in the farmland in the Iraqi capital's Radwiniyah district, near the Baghdad International Airport. Iraqi residents gathered in lines along the wall near the gate while coalition trucks and Soldiers were on the ground searching the area and welcoming the local residents.
At least 100 residents had arrived at a makeshift medical clinic by the time the Iraqi Soldiers inside the school opened the gates.
Countless more would arrive during the course of the afternoon.
This is the second operation of its kind that 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment has completed with the Iraqi Army in the past two months.
"The first one was so successful, we knew we had created a valuable event for the local people, which could be duplicated . . . with a little effort," said Sgt. David Flores, a medic with 1-7 FA.
Many different organizations worked together, and it took a lot of coordination to complete. More than 90 years of medical experience combined from all of the physician's assistants, medics and dentists in the treatment rooms. Outside, there were multiple Iraqi and U.S. units securing the area from rooftops and check points ensuring the safety of the people.
Iraqi troops made efforts to evenly distribute food, toys and soccer balls to everyone there, at some points even holding the smallest children up to the back of the trucks so they wouldn't be left out.
"We love days like this. It's so important for the people here because they don't have easy access to doctors and dentists," said Lt. Abas, from 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, while his soldiers were coordinating hand-outs, grouping people at the entrance to the school and looking out for suspicious activity on the perimeter.
HUMANITARIAN AIR BRINGS SMILES TO BAGHDAD NEIGHBORHOOD
BAGHDAD-Humanitarian assistance packages were delivered to displaced families at the Al Salaam Neighborhood Advisory Council by Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers March 29.
Through coordination with the Neighborhood Advisory Council, Capt. Benjamin Morales, commander of Company B, 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, and his paratroopers delivered boxes including foods, oils and sanitation supplies. The NAC senior leadership insisted that the exchange be made after the meeting, so residents of Al Salaam could see the progress made through cooperation with the Iraqi and Coalition Security Forces.
"It will be good for the community to see how much we trust each other," said Abu Hussein, the Al Salaam NAC leader.
"They will realize that working with Iraqi and American forces can bring peace and happiness."
At noon on a sunny, warm March day, Morales' company arrived with a cargo truck full of humanitarian aid boxes and backed up to the gates of the council building. At first, hesitant bystanders looked puzzled as the council members and MND-B Soldiers gathered near the rear of the truck. The more people realized what was happening, the more they gathered and gave a helping hand.
The MND-B troops who were offloading the boxes were soon pushed aside by smiling, giddy children. The children ran as fast as they could, with as many boxes as they could hold and carried them into the NAC building.
Children, council members and Soldiers, alike, found it hard not to smile.
17 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS CAPTURED IN RAIDS BAGHDAD
Coalition Forces captured 17 suspected terrorists Thursday morning during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices cells.
During an operation in Southwest Baghdad, Coalition Forces captured a suspected VBIED cell leader and supplier of IED components. The individual is reportedly involved in recent attacks against Coalition Forces. Coalition Forces discovered a weapons cache while searching the suspect's vehicle. The vehicle and weapons cached were destroyed on site to prevent further use by terrorists. Three other suspects were also detained during the operation.
In Karmah, 13 suspects were detained during two separate operations.
Six suspects were captured with alleged ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq and the facilitation of foreign fighters. Another seven were captured including a suspected weapons dealer reportedly involved in the sale and purchase of sniper rifles, automatic weapons, ammunition and bomb casings.
"Coalition Forces continue to tear apart the al-Qaida in Iraq network and VBIED cells," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
