CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – Elements of the 21st Military Police Company and 178th Military Police Company, attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, withdrew all supplies and personnel and returned control of Combat Outpost Perry and the Old State Building, two key bases inside the city of Basra, to the Iraqi Army June 28.
“This is a symbolic moment for the people of Iraq. It’s exciting to watch the Iraqi Army step up and protect their people,” said 1st Lt. Jeremy Poisson, an Atlanta native and platoon leader for the 178th MP Co.
Lt. Col. Mohamed Ali, executive officer for the 50th IA Battalion, was on hand for the final departure of the U.S. Soldiers and expressed the IA Soldiers are a little precautious over the U.S. forces departure from the cities, but are happy and eager to showcase their abilities. “We want to prove to our people that the Americans did not occupy Iraq, but instead they have completed their mission (in the city),” Ali said.
Ali added that the IA have no current plans for the facilities. They are looking at converting the building and area into a meeting hall for the people of Basra. Col. Butch Kievenaar, commander, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., told local leaders two other locations will continue to have a U.S. presence to coordinate, train and advise the Iraqi Security Forces at the request of key leaders in the province. He stated that some U.S. forces may still travel through the cities to conduct site surveys on civic action projects.
“After the 30th of June, I’m sure you will hear from your people how they saw Americans in Basra,” said Kievenaar. “Assure them we are only there to continue the work on projects and advising the ISF.”
