A team of Iraqi soldiers, with the 5th Iraqi Army Division, clear homes and patrol villages in the Eastern Diyala province of Iraq. A transfer of responsibility from Multi-National Division – North Soldiers to Iraqi Security Forces was finalized in the southern Balad Ruz area of the Diyala province of Iraq Aug. 2. Photo by Spc. Opal Vaughn.

The volatile area of Diyala, where two operations are currently being conducted, has seen success with security for the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and local residents.

The 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment handed over its security responsibility to Col. Faris Radi Abbas, Balad Ruz police Chief and the 18th Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division Commander Staff Brig. Gen. Jafa Kadhim to allow the ISF to maintain security in their own townships.

“The Iraqis are ready to take over this area,” Faris said. “Our people are ready to come back to their homes and support the Coalition and Iraqi forces.”

Both Iraqi and Coalition commanders discussed the boundaries in a meeting, July 31, coming to an agreement on specific responsibilities that were distributed out between both the IA and the IP.

The area being discussed is the same area where the combined Operation Sabre Tempest, which began May 1, took place.

“It is truly an exciting day,” said Maj. Cameron Cantlon, a 3rd ACR squadron executive officer. “There is absolutely no question that our forces couldn’t have done any of this without the help of the Iraqi forces.”

(Multi-National Division – North PAO)