Marines help Iraqi Army provide security in Basra

 AL-LATIF, BASRA, Iraq (May 3, 2008) – Citizens in the Latif district of Basra, Iraq, greeted Iraqi soldiers from 3rd Bn, Quick Reaction Force 1, 1^st Iraqi Army Quick Reaction Force and military transition team Marines with smiles and waves May 3.

The people of al-Latif lined the streets and opened their doors to the IA, who searched homes and the many date orchards in the area for illegal weapons.

The Iraqi Army also came to provide security for the local people and handed out bottled water and pre-packaged halal meals in an operation planned and executed with minimal support from their Marine counterparts.

Though MiTT Marines advised the Iraqis in the planning process and participated in the mission, along with Marines from 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, the IA has taken the lead in planning and carrying out operations.

“[QRF 1] doesn’t need our help anymore,” said Michael. “We go along and give the Iraqis advice when we have some, but they don’t really need us.”

Many of the IA soldiers pay close attention to the Marines while out on missions.

“We like working with Marines,” said a sniper from 3^rd Battalion who joined the IA six months after Saddam fell. “They go out on missions with us and help us. We watch how they do things and we learn from it.”

QRF 1 is probably one of the best IA units, said Michael. Although they don’t operate at the level of the Marine Corps, they are perfectly capable of completing their mission here without a Marine presence.

MiTT and ANGLICO Marines made up only a fraction of the total forces in the operation, contributing roughly a platoon-size element to their IA battalion.

One local man said he didn’t even notice the Marines were in the city until several hours into the operation as he offered chai tea to the soldiers standing outside his home.

“It’s ok that they search our homes,” said the shopkeeper. “Most of the people here have nothing to hide. We do not fear the government.”

Many local citizens were optimistic their neighborhood would be rid of the violence the criminal gangs brought with them.

“We were excited to see the Army come here,” said a local shop owner. “When the Army comes, it scares away the criminals who hurt our people. God willing, those people will never come back”