Iraqi Troops to Take the Lead As US Observes

By Sgt. Patrick Lair
115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAQUBA, IRAQ - After 90 days of close mentorship with an advisory team from the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division, the Diyala Operations Command has been validated to take the lead on security operations within Diyala province, just north of Baghdad.

The Diyala Operations Command is a headquarters unit charged with the synchronization of Iraqi Army, Iraqi police and other security forces operating in the province.

Previously, the DOC received direction from the 25th Infantry Division, which commands Multi-National Division-North, encompassing all of northern Iraq, from the outskirts of Baghdad to the northern Iraqi border with Turkey.

After receiving validation, the DOC will now take instructions directly from the Iraqi governmental forces command, with coalition troops stepping back into a tactical over watch position.

“All of the people of Diyala province have been waiting for this day,” said Staff Maj. Gen. Abdul Kareem al-Robiya. “It is a great day because command will be in Iraqi hands. However, they look toward coalition forces respectfully and we all look forward to working with coalition forces in the future.”

The DOC has four fundamental responsibilities, said Lt. Col. Robert Ault, a member of the Diyala operations command advisory team. Those responsibilities are prioritizing operations in the province, organizing assets and resources, assessing risk and tracking current operations.

Additionally, the DOC coordinates ambulance and fire trucks responses, and handles intelligence issues, among other tasks.

Previously, the DOC received all of its direction through the 25th Infantry Division and the DOC advisory team. The step was crucial in the training process, advisory team members said, though not without difficulties.

“The challenge was that there were no communications from higher down to the DOC that didn’t come through us,” Ault said. “Now, with the transitions, it will all go through Iraqi channels. All commands and orders will be in Arabic.”

The growing strength of the DOC was largely made possible by Operation Arrowhead Ripper, a push by U.S. forces earlier in the year to retake a majority of Baquba from insurgent control.

“Before Arrowhead Ripper, it was kind of like the wild west around here,” Ault said. “But things have quieted down quite a bit and we’ve made a lot of progress in building up the DOC’s capabilities.”

The capabilities under assessment included the readiness of the DOC’s facilities in Baquba, the adequacy of their equipment, ensuring they had a large enough staff and making sure they had made budgetary provisions to carry on after the transfer of authority.

Simultaneous with the validation process, the 5th Iraqi Army Division, the Iraqi Police and the Baquba Guardians, a group of concerned citizens, launched a sweep of several Baquba neighborhoods in search of al-Qaida in Iraq insurgents.

The operation, carried out with no coalition assistance, yielded six detained suspects, nine wounded and three killed enemy combatants, and the discovery of several small weapons caches. Baquba Guardians were credited with their work as intelligence advisors for the joint mission.

“The integration of the Baquba Guardians and other concerned local nationals is vital as they cooperate with the Iraqi army and police, who have openly accepted assistance from the concerned citizens,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of coalition forces in Diyala province. “Their involvement and support of these security forces is a true sign that this group of concerned citizens is tired of the death and destruction of al-Qaida in Iraq and fully intends to assist in the security and stability of the local communities.”

Maj. Gen. al-Robiya also the recent joint clearing mission by Iraqi security forces bodes well for the future.

“After achieving this successful operation and clearing Diyala province of terrorists, we seek after this responsibility and through it we will fight for peace.”

Source: 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Technorati Tags: News World Abdul Kareem al-Robiya David W. Sutherland Iraq Iraq - Diyala Operations Command - DOC Iraq War 2007 Military Robert Ault

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