Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Soldiers Secure Busy Marketplace in Taji

Multi-National Force - Iraq ^ | Sgt. Doug Roles, USA

[SandRat]

Army Spc. Adam Feldon talks with an Iraqi boy May 4, 2009, as a patrol of Pennsylvania Army National Guard Soldiers and Iraqi Police officers moves through Taji Market, north of Baghdad. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Doug Roles.

TAJI — Iraqi Security Forces and U.S. Soldiers have been hitting the streets, working together to maintain security in Taji Market, one of the busiest sectors of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team’s area of operations north of Baghdad.
 
The market is a lynchpin in the security effort because it’s where the lives of locals intertwine.

“Being the main market area, that’s the economy,” said Army 1st Lt. Joshua Fox, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, following a recent patrol through the market. “Everybody in the area is linked to the market. They work there or they buy there.”

The market is in the area of operations of Pennsylvania Army National Guard Soldiers stationed at Joint Security Station Hor Al Bosh. Patrolling Soldiers regularly talk to shopkeepers, and Iraqi Security Forces man checkpoints. Fox said his Soldiers incorporate as many Iraqi Police officers as are available into their patrols.

“We do a lot of localized patrols,” said Fox, whose Soldiers put in many hours each day patrolling the area. “We’re still infantry; that’s how we operate. To defeat the enemy, you have to beat the streets.”

During missions like the one in Taji Market, the infantry Soldiers use their Stryker vehicles for overwatch and for screening of dismounted patrols and resupply, as well as for the possibility of casualty evacuation.

“Strykers are an extremely useful platform,” Fox said. “It’s definitely a great asset.”

Prior to the May 4 movement through the market, Soldiers participating in the patrol pulled security at the Iraqi Police station in Taji as company leaders met briefly with a local leader.

[SandRat]

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