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OP TELIC - Nyheder fra det sydlige Irak 27. juli - 3. august
OP TELIC - 'GOOD NEWS TUESDAY' 27 JUL - 3 AUG 04
12. august, 2004 - Kl. 02.00
[Oprindeligt publiceret af Hærstaben]
RECONSTRUCTION
AGRICULTURE, WATER AND IRRIGATION
Dhi Qar Water Improvements. In the Dhi Qar region, 75% of local population now has access to potable water. Plans are in progress to ensure that small villages also have efficient supplies.
Danish/Lithuanian//Iraqi Joint Project - Medina. The Danish contingent based at Camp Eden North West of Basra, along with Lt Mindauegas Mastavicius (Lithuanian) who was appointed the Project Manager for the local Agricultural Sub Committee, have been working with locals around Medina to refurbish water pumps along the Euphrates in order to supply the local date palms with much-needed water.
The water is also used by around 48,000 locals for washing their clothes and for livestock. Over the past months, Lt Masttavicius has presided over the local Agricultural Sub Committee, but now, the Chairman’s seat has been formally handed over so that the first all Iraqi meeting could commence.
Improvements to Water facilities in Basra Province. Umm Qasr Council report that the water pipe from Al Makal to Umm Qasr is now fully repaired and the latter is now experiencing no problems. The new pipe from Khor Az Zubayr to Safwan is expected to be finished imminently, which, along with the building of 4 new wells in the area, should ameliorate very significantly the current supply difficulties in Safwan.
MEDICAL
Health and Hygiene Looking Up in Basra Rural North. In Basra Rural North, the complete refurbishment of the Al Ahwar Hospital has started. The Danes have bought equipment for the malaria and tuberculosis lab, and are spraying against insects in and around the hospitals in Qurnah and Medina. The area is still hoping to acquire 20 new ambulances in order to support the other emergency services and hospitals. Medical equipment has been delivered to 17 Public Health Centres in Basra Rural North, which should have a positive impact improving the overall hygiene and health of the area.
Hospital Reconstruction in Basra Rural South. In Basra Rural South work is continuing on 2 ongoing projects at Akar Al Kabir Hospital. The refurbishment of Umm Qasr Hospital and the A + E department is now complete additional equipment is planned to get the new hospital functioning to its full capability.
POWER AND FUEL
Fuel Improvents in Maysan Province. During the last 2 weeks in Maysan Province, tests have been ongoing on the new Buzargan gas turbines to ensure they are fully operational. The turbines have successfully completed all the tests and 8 generators will be fitted to the sub station south of Al Amarah by the end of this week.
The Turbines will contribute a further 12 MW to the system – meaning more electricty for the people of Al Amarah. A deposit has been paid for 5 new fuel tankers in Maysan province. The tankers will cost $83,000 but will enable fuel to be easily transported throughout the province. Furthermore, benzene levels at the Maysan Fuel Distribution Centre are now at record levels.
COMMUNICATION
Communication Equipment for Basra Province. Basra Province has seen the 6 of the 12 VSAT communications equipment sets installed, giving vital communications capability to the Port of Umm Qasr, Khor Az Zubayr, Basra International Airport, R Zero water station, the Department for Irrigation, and Department for Displaced Persons. This increased communication capability will also enable the Iraqi Security Forces to operate more efficiently and effectively.
EDUCATION
Basra Central Library. Basra Central Library is receiving its final finishing touches. A donation of children’s books and furniture has been delivered, along with furniture from USAID.
Computers for Schools. During July, Dutch forces donated a number of computers to the Al-Anwar Intermediate School for Boys. These computers will be used to teach the children basic computer skills and prepare them for future employment
RECONSTRUCTION FUNDING
Project Funding in Dhi Qar Province. Throughout MND (SE) Area of Responsibility, there has been a wide distribution of funding in all areas of reconstruction. In Dhi Qar, $94.8 Million has been spent on improving electricity distribution, $16.2 Million on refurbishing and supplying health facilities and $62.8 Million on Safety and Civil affairs. In addition, the reconstruction of roads and bridges have received $9.6 Million, oil programmes $0.3 Million and water and sanitation a staggering $235 Million. Training and equipping the Iraqi Security Forces has been of great importance and it is evident that the $42.8 Million spent thus far has managed to achieve excellent results.
Project Funding in Maysan Province. In Maysan Province, a number of projects have been ongoing to improve the lives of the local population. Improvements to water and sanitation facilities have seen the greatest changes, with most of the population having access to clean water - $71 Million has been fed into these projects. Safety and Civil facilities have received funding for a variety of projects, including the training and equipping of the Iraqi Security Forces. These projects combined have received funding in the region of $9 Million with the same amount of money being ploughed into infrastructure repairing roads and bridges.
SECURITY/LAW AND ORDER
IRAQI SECURITY FORCES
Iraqi Security Forces Clampdown on Illegal Weapons. Iraqi Security Forces in Southern Iraq have taken big steps over the last few weeks to reduce the number of illegal weapons in the area, in order to reduce further the level of violent criminal activity.
a. On Friday 30 July, the Az Zubayr District Iraqi Police Service (IPS) launched another search operation in part on the outskirts of the town of Az Zubayr. This follows a series of previously successful operations to interdict illegal weapons in an effort to promote peace and stability in the area. The IPS carefully planned and arranged the search in advance, and requested some assistance from the local MNF troops to help cordon off the search area.
Preparations began early, obtaining the legal paperwork required for the search, and briefing all involved. With the area securely cordoned, the IPS then systematically searched every dwelling for illegal goods or weapons. In order to ensure that all personnel involved were free from suspicion of corruption, British Military Policemen searched them at the start and the end of the operation. It is this kind of attention to detail in the planning of the operation that shows the emphasis on accountability and professionalism that now exists in the IPS.
The senior IPS Commander in the District, Capt Faleiq, said “today we are hoping to find some illegal weapons as we hope to remove these from the streets to make Az Zubayr a safer place to live.” The operation lasted for 4 hours and was successful in removing some very dangerous items from circulation. The find included one HE hand grenade, a Night sight and a quantity of ammunition, all of which were taken away for destruction.
b. A further IPS search operation followed on Saturday 31 July, this time in Az Zubayr town centre. The operation was once again aimed at reducing the level of illegal and dangerous weapons in circulation, and although it was unsuccessful in finding any weapons, it has sent a clear message to those hiding illegal weapons.
c. In the early hours of Sunday 1 Aug, a joint Iraqi National Guard (ING) and IPS operation, supported by Multi National Forces (MNF) took place in a small village outside Seeba in the Al Faw peninsula. The troops of 601 Battalion ING and the local IPS worked closely with the members of MNF to plan the operation in detail before moving in to seal off the area and conduct a systematic search. This joint operation was a huge success.
The finds included 6 RPG warheads, 12 boxes of 12.7mm heavy machine gun ammunition, a large number of rifles, sighting systems for rifles and Rocket Propelled Grenade Launchers, assorted small arms ammunition, a 2 Inch Mortar and bipod, a large collection of knives and bayonets and various items of military and civilian communication equipment. This type of carefully planned and co-ordinated operation is an excellent example of the determination of new Iraqi Security Forces, supported when requested by the MNF, to tackle the issues that threaten the safety of peaceful, hard working Iraqi people.
Iraqi National Guard Conduct EOD. The 70th Brigade of the ING (Iraqi National Guard) has destroyed a large quantity of illegal ordnance, discovered in local scrap metal yards. The ordnance was taken to Ramaylah Range to be destroyed by controlled explosion. The operation was overseen by a MNF EOD Team, who have been training ING units. The munitions were stacked together with anti-tank mines and plastic explosive (PE4) and detonated once the teams had moved to a safe distance.
MULTINATIONAL FORCES
The Cheshire Regiment in Basra. Over the last 3 months the situation in Basra has been continually changing. The high level of violence that the soldiers faced during the initial 6 weeks has abated and the streets are generally more peaceful now. The skill and professionalism of the soldiers, working in support of the Iraqi Security Forces is of great importance.
The restoration of sovereignty to the Iraqi people on the 28th of June caught locals unaware, as did the speed at which the Iraqi Police Force assumed responsibility for the maintenance of law and order in Basra. MNF, including British, soldiers have ‘stepped back’ from policing the frontline and are now in a situation where the police largely work on their own.
The Cheshires have set themselves the aim of handing over full responsibility for security to the Iraqi Police by the end of October and are on track to achieve it. Whereas initially the focus was on maintaining law and order, now it has changed to the wider aspects of security. With a reduction in patrolling, the soldiers have turned their attention to supporting the rebuilding and regeneration work in the City; work that gives the people a genuine stake in their future and a viable alternative to crime and instability.
The Regiment has launched over 150 municipal reconstruction projects, of which 51 are already completed. They vary in scale and type from waste disposal, through school refurbishment to building a repair garage for the city ambulances. The important point to each of them is that they make a demonstrable difference to people’s lives.
RECONSTRUCTION
AGRICULTURE, WATER AND IRRIGATION
Dhi Qar Water Improvements. In the Dhi Qar region, 75% of local population now has access to potable water. Plans are in progress to ensure that small villages also have efficient supplies.
Danish/Lithuanian//Iraqi Joint Project - Medina. The Danish contingent based at Camp Eden North West of Basra, along with Lt Mindauegas Mastavicius (Lithuanian) who was appointed the Project Manager for the local Agricultural Sub Committee, have been working with locals around Medina to refurbish water pumps along the Euphrates in order to supply the local date palms with much-needed water.
The water is also used by around 48,000 locals for washing their clothes and for livestock. Over the past months, Lt Masttavicius has presided over the local Agricultural Sub Committee, but now, the Chairman’s seat has been formally handed over so that the first all Iraqi meeting could commence.
Improvements to Water facilities in Basra Province. Umm Qasr Council report that the water pipe from Al Makal to Umm Qasr is now fully repaired and the latter is now experiencing no problems. The new pipe from Khor Az Zubayr to Safwan is expected to be finished imminently, which, along with the building of 4 new wells in the area, should ameliorate very significantly the current supply difficulties in Safwan.
MEDICAL
Health and Hygiene Looking Up in Basra Rural North. In Basra Rural North, the complete refurbishment of the Al Ahwar Hospital has started. The Danes have bought equipment for the malaria and tuberculosis lab, and are spraying against insects in and around the hospitals in Qurnah and Medina. The area is still hoping to acquire 20 new ambulances in order to support the other emergency services and hospitals. Medical equipment has been delivered to 17 Public Health Centres in Basra Rural North, which should have a positive impact improving the overall hygiene and health of the area.
Hospital Reconstruction in Basra Rural South. In Basra Rural South work is continuing on 2 ongoing projects at Akar Al Kabir Hospital. The refurbishment of Umm Qasr Hospital and the A + E department is now complete additional equipment is planned to get the new hospital functioning to its full capability.
POWER AND FUEL
Fuel Improvents in Maysan Province. During the last 2 weeks in Maysan Province, tests have been ongoing on the new Buzargan gas turbines to ensure they are fully operational. The turbines have successfully completed all the tests and 8 generators will be fitted to the sub station south of Al Amarah by the end of this week.
The Turbines will contribute a further 12 MW to the system – meaning more electricty for the people of Al Amarah. A deposit has been paid for 5 new fuel tankers in Maysan province. The tankers will cost $83,000 but will enable fuel to be easily transported throughout the province. Furthermore, benzene levels at the Maysan Fuel Distribution Centre are now at record levels.
COMMUNICATION
Communication Equipment for Basra Province. Basra Province has seen the 6 of the 12 VSAT communications equipment sets installed, giving vital communications capability to the Port of Umm Qasr, Khor Az Zubayr, Basra International Airport, R Zero water station, the Department for Irrigation, and Department for Displaced Persons. This increased communication capability will also enable the Iraqi Security Forces to operate more efficiently and effectively.
EDUCATION
Basra Central Library. Basra Central Library is receiving its final finishing touches. A donation of children’s books and furniture has been delivered, along with furniture from USAID.
Computers for Schools. During July, Dutch forces donated a number of computers to the Al-Anwar Intermediate School for Boys. These computers will be used to teach the children basic computer skills and prepare them for future employment
RECONSTRUCTION FUNDING
Project Funding in Dhi Qar Province. Throughout MND (SE) Area of Responsibility, there has been a wide distribution of funding in all areas of reconstruction. In Dhi Qar, $94.8 Million has been spent on improving electricity distribution, $16.2 Million on refurbishing and supplying health facilities and $62.8 Million on Safety and Civil affairs. In addition, the reconstruction of roads and bridges have received $9.6 Million, oil programmes $0.3 Million and water and sanitation a staggering $235 Million. Training and equipping the Iraqi Security Forces has been of great importance and it is evident that the $42.8 Million spent thus far has managed to achieve excellent results.
Project Funding in Maysan Province. In Maysan Province, a number of projects have been ongoing to improve the lives of the local population. Improvements to water and sanitation facilities have seen the greatest changes, with most of the population having access to clean water - $71 Million has been fed into these projects. Safety and Civil facilities have received funding for a variety of projects, including the training and equipping of the Iraqi Security Forces. These projects combined have received funding in the region of $9 Million with the same amount of money being ploughed into infrastructure repairing roads and bridges.
SECURITY/LAW AND ORDER
IRAQI SECURITY FORCES
Iraqi Security Forces Clampdown on Illegal Weapons. Iraqi Security Forces in Southern Iraq have taken big steps over the last few weeks to reduce the number of illegal weapons in the area, in order to reduce further the level of violent criminal activity.
a. On Friday 30 July, the Az Zubayr District Iraqi Police Service (IPS) launched another search operation in part on the outskirts of the town of Az Zubayr. This follows a series of previously successful operations to interdict illegal weapons in an effort to promote peace and stability in the area. The IPS carefully planned and arranged the search in advance, and requested some assistance from the local MNF troops to help cordon off the search area.
Preparations began early, obtaining the legal paperwork required for the search, and briefing all involved. With the area securely cordoned, the IPS then systematically searched every dwelling for illegal goods or weapons. In order to ensure that all personnel involved were free from suspicion of corruption, British Military Policemen searched them at the start and the end of the operation. It is this kind of attention to detail in the planning of the operation that shows the emphasis on accountability and professionalism that now exists in the IPS.
The senior IPS Commander in the District, Capt Faleiq, said “today we are hoping to find some illegal weapons as we hope to remove these from the streets to make Az Zubayr a safer place to live.” The operation lasted for 4 hours and was successful in removing some very dangerous items from circulation. The find included one HE hand grenade, a Night sight and a quantity of ammunition, all of which were taken away for destruction.
b. A further IPS search operation followed on Saturday 31 July, this time in Az Zubayr town centre. The operation was once again aimed at reducing the level of illegal and dangerous weapons in circulation, and although it was unsuccessful in finding any weapons, it has sent a clear message to those hiding illegal weapons.
c. In the early hours of Sunday 1 Aug, a joint Iraqi National Guard (ING) and IPS operation, supported by Multi National Forces (MNF) took place in a small village outside Seeba in the Al Faw peninsula. The troops of 601 Battalion ING and the local IPS worked closely with the members of MNF to plan the operation in detail before moving in to seal off the area and conduct a systematic search. This joint operation was a huge success.
The finds included 6 RPG warheads, 12 boxes of 12.7mm heavy machine gun ammunition, a large number of rifles, sighting systems for rifles and Rocket Propelled Grenade Launchers, assorted small arms ammunition, a 2 Inch Mortar and bipod, a large collection of knives and bayonets and various items of military and civilian communication equipment. This type of carefully planned and co-ordinated operation is an excellent example of the determination of new Iraqi Security Forces, supported when requested by the MNF, to tackle the issues that threaten the safety of peaceful, hard working Iraqi people.
Iraqi National Guard Conduct EOD. The 70th Brigade of the ING (Iraqi National Guard) has destroyed a large quantity of illegal ordnance, discovered in local scrap metal yards. The ordnance was taken to Ramaylah Range to be destroyed by controlled explosion. The operation was overseen by a MNF EOD Team, who have been training ING units. The munitions were stacked together with anti-tank mines and plastic explosive (PE4) and detonated once the teams had moved to a safe distance.
MULTINATIONAL FORCES
The Cheshire Regiment in Basra. Over the last 3 months the situation in Basra has been continually changing. The high level of violence that the soldiers faced during the initial 6 weeks has abated and the streets are generally more peaceful now. The skill and professionalism of the soldiers, working in support of the Iraqi Security Forces is of great importance.
The restoration of sovereignty to the Iraqi people on the 28th of June caught locals unaware, as did the speed at which the Iraqi Police Force assumed responsibility for the maintenance of law and order in Basra. MNF, including British, soldiers have ‘stepped back’ from policing the frontline and are now in a situation where the police largely work on their own.
The Cheshires have set themselves the aim of handing over full responsibility for security to the Iraqi Police by the end of October and are on track to achieve it. Whereas initially the focus was on maintaining law and order, now it has changed to the wider aspects of security. With a reduction in patrolling, the soldiers have turned their attention to supporting the rebuilding and regeneration work in the City; work that gives the people a genuine stake in their future and a viable alternative to crime and instability.
The Regiment has launched over 150 municipal reconstruction projects, of which 51 are already completed. They vary in scale and type from waste disposal, through school refurbishment to building a repair garage for the city ambulances. The important point to each of them is that they make a demonstrable difference to people’s lives.