Members of the national police, Iraqi army and Paratroopers assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division patrol inside the Matanabi Book Market Jan. 13 in the Rusafa District of eastern Baghdad. Iraqi security forces partnered with coalition forces during the patrol to check on the market’s security and speak with shop owners and greet customers.
By Staff Sgt. Alex Licea
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Office
FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – National police officers and Iraqi army soldiers partnered with Paratroopers assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, conducted a combined patrol Jan. 13 in the Rusafa district of eastern Baghdad.
Iraqi security forces and their MND-B partners conducted the operation inside Baghdad’s historic Matanabi Book Market.
Iraqi citizens greeted the patrol and the security during its mission. Although the patrol may have been somewhat distracting for some, many residents said they felt the partnered patrols have been an important reason for the improved security in the past few months.
“The Iraqi people are happy,” said an Iraqi army soldier. “They are glad to see us and they feel safe now.”
Iraqi army Maj. Gen. Abdul Kareem Abdulrahman Al-Izi, commander of the 1st National Police Division; Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Haitham Al Alwani, commander of the 43rd Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division; and Col. Timothy McGuire, commander of the 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., accompanied their men throughout the operation. The leaders took time to speak with shop owners, greet customers and discuss the need to maintain recent security gains.
The Matanabi Book Market was closed nearly two years ago after a suicide bomber attack. The market reopened to the public in December. Prime Minister of Iraq Nouri Al Maliki proclaimed the market as a symbol of strength and hope for the future of Iraq. The market and its surrounding shops welcome thousands of residents and showcase some of Iraq’s finest selection of food, art and clothing.
“I don’t think we could have walked this market without a platoon-size force a year ago,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Foley, a native of Bassett, Va., and squad leader assigned the personnel security detachment. “It is a clear sign of the improvements on security made across the country, and it was great to see the market so busy. Working hand in hand with the ISF makes it all that much better.
“This is what we like to see – people living their normal lives and away from fear. It was quite a site to see.”