CAMP MEJID, Iraq (Army News Service, March 8, 2010) -- Not a drop of blood was spilled in Al Anbar province during the special elections, March 4, said the head of Iraqi security forces in Anbar at a security conference the following day.
Staff Lt. Gen. Abd Al-Aziz Muhammad Jasim Ahmad Al-Mufriji, commanding general of the Anbar Operations Command, told over a half-dozen Anbar mayors, police chiefs, Iraqi army brigade commanders and U.S. forces commanders that safe polling centers were the results of months of planning, preparation and teamwork by Iraq's security forces, along with community involvement.
"We seized three car bombs in Anbar province yesterday; our anti-explosive department was able to defuse a big truck laden with 11,000 pounds of explosives that was targeting the al Jazeera Bridge," said Aziz.
"In the same day, our forces defused three [improvised explosive devices] in different areas of the province," he added. "We are so pleased, because the day of the special voting went well, without any attacks."
Nationwide, security for the special elections was conducted jointly between Iraqi army and Iraqi police, and their cooperation with local communities was responsible for the lack of violence in Anbar, said Aziz, noting that the days of criminal and insurgent activity being observed but unreported by citizenry are largely over.
Thursday's special elections were reserved primarily for Iraqi security forces prior to Sunday's national parliamentary elections.
In a further nod to the public's role in its own security, Aziz said, "The Iraqi security forces will act firmly against inaccurate information and propaganda while holding liars accountable. Liars are worse than terrorists."
To ensure the enfranchisement of all Anbaris, Aziz also mentioned that vehicles will be provided to those who live far from the election centers, and female inspectors will be available to search female electors before they enter election centers.
Aziz reported that support from U.S. forces was excellent.
Iraqi law prohibits U.S. forces from being within 200 feet of any polling site on election days. However, prior to the elections, USF have contributed material, labor and engineering to beef up defenses around some polling centers.
"We are left in need of nothing because of all the support from [USF]," said Aziz.
Col. Mark R. Stammer, commander of the U.S. ground maneuver element in Anbar, 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, said, "We're very proud to be associated with such great partners in the 7th and 1st Iraqi army divisions. Their diligence and determination is the reason why this electoral process is as successful as it is today."
(Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod writes for 1/82 AAB, USD-C)
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