RAMADI, Iraq – The 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade of the 7th Iraqi Army Division, commanded by Staff Colonel Mustafa, officially assumed its area of responsibility at 4:30 p.m. in a ceremony here today.
In Staff Colonel Mustafa’s address to the soldiers, he reminded them the assumption of the area of responsibility was helping to “secure the future of Iraq, defeat terrorists, bring life back as it was, and, God willing, bring more good [to Iraq].”
“This historic event marks the first battalion in the entire 7th Iraqi Army Division to assume the lead in its own [area]. This is a great achievement for a battalion that is less than a year old and is serving in Ramadi, one of the most contested cities in Anbar,” according to Colonel Sean MacFarland, Commander, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division.
Colonel Steve Zotti, the military transition team commander to the 7th Iraqi Army Division, called the soldiers of 1st Battalion brave and capable. He said, “The citizens of Ramadi now know the Iraqi Army and the Iraqi Police are going to be on the streets working together to provide security and [a better] future.”
The battalion will continue to work closely with the Iraqi Police and local leaders to secure the TaÂ’meen area. The battalion recently proved their capabilities during a validation operation which resulted in the capture of three insurgents and the killing of one terrorist. The occasion marks an important step in the continuing development of the Iraqi Army and represents the future security of Iraq.