Iraqis protect Soldiers after car bomb

The Iraqi people do not hate the soldiers...

Published on August 28, 2005 By ShadowWar In Current Events

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Following avehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack on Coalition Forces in Baghdad Aug. 6, residents of the Sumer Al Ghadier District took action — action that was a pleasant surprise to the Soldiers on the ground. After the U.S. medics treated the wounded at the scene, local residents constructed a hasty barricade with trees, bricks, and anything else available, to further protect the Soldiers from additional danger.

“This is the first time that I can remember where Iraqi civilians actually built a barrier to protect my Soldiers,” said Lt. Col. Steven Merkel, commander of 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. “The Soldiers
are still talking about the helpful actions of the local community and have asked to go back to the neighborhood to thank those responsible.”

Capt. David Ahl, 1-9 FA information operations officer, said, “It became very obvious that the Iraqi people are tired of terrorist activity. When I saw them putting up barricades to protect us after the VBIED exploded, I knew right then that the days of terrorist activity are counting down fast.”

The Baghdad citizens, so quick to lend a hand, not only helped to physically protect the Soldiers, but were also forthcoming with valuable information about the area, which led to the apprehension of a man suspected in involvement in a previous VBIED attack.

“The continued commitment of the Iraqi people to help their Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces demonstrates, more than ever, that they are growing increasingly intolerant of the violence brought on by the terrorists and more eager to play a positive role
in the future of Iraq,” Merkel said.

Well sound to me like the Iraqi people are really starting to realize what we are there to do. And they are stepping up and helping.

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