Liberalguy

By Capt. Penny N. Zamora
Multi-National Division South East PAO

BASRA, Iraq – A sense of calm prevails in Basra as Iraqi forces continue to walk the streets.

Since the beginning of Operation Charge of the Knights March 25, citizens have embraced the Iraqi Army presence as humanitarian assistance continues along side its clean-up and reconstruction efforts.

Since the initial push to rid the region of criminal elements, searches have resulted in the discovery of more than 2,700 mortar rounds, 650 rockets, ten surface to air missiles, 130 rocket propelled grenade rounds, and 160 rocket propelled grenade launchers.

More and more citizens of Basra are approaching the IA and Iraqi Security Forces to identify cache locations.

There have been five cooperative medical engagements within several communities of Basra. In Tannumah, bilingual bicultural advisors, former Iraqi citizens who are now Americans, provided much needed medical care and coaching mentorship to the community providers. The overwhelming response resulted in more than 550 patients treated and more than ten patients identified to receive extended care through the National Iraqi Assistance Center.

In Hyyaniyah, the 1st Iraqi Army led a medical civil action program, at the Al Risala public health clinic, treating more than 400 patients with its surgeon and a staff of ten medics. Coalition forces assisted with a joint cooperative planning session and the procurement of supplies.

“This is the model, and the way ahead, of how we want to win the hearts and minds within the Iraqi theater of operations,” said Maj. Raymond J. Jablonka, Medical Operations officer, Multi-National Corps - Iraq.

In less than 30 days, more than 79,000 Halal meals, 400,000 liters of water, and 5.5 tons of medical supplies have been dispensed. More than 800 school back packs, with supplies, have been distributed in Al Jumburiya and Al Atiya.

“Future agricultural operations are underway in the Calf Fattening project. Coalition Forces have provided a facility to house cattle and to train farmers to look at techniques to better the quality of cattle for meat and dairy purposes,” said United Kingdom Royal Navy Lt. Shatadeep Chatterjee, the Joint Civil Military Operations, Agriculture and Water Sector officer.

The Basra Law Academy Library building is complete and awaiting opening ceremonies soon.

The IA and ISF led operations, with Coalition forces assisting, have brought a new peace to the region of Basra in southern Iraq.