BAGHDAD (Army News Service, March 9, 2010) -- Hours before election sites opened March 7 here, Iraqi Security Forces and their U.S. military counterparts patrolled the streets in search of improvised explosive devices among the roadside trash and any evidence of enemy activity.
Insurgents attempted to disrupt the election process by planting more than 30 devices in the Baghdad area. Despite the attacks, more than half of registered voters turned out, said Lt. Col. Kirk Dorr, 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry commander.
"I think it was a last-gasp attempt by these extremist groups to intimidate the populace," said Dorr. "They know, like our counterparts know, that this is really their last shot to interrupt the democratic roadmap for this country -- and they failed."
The general elections were the second in Iraqi history, and the first time Iraqi soldiers and police officers have had a large-scale opportunity to prove they are capable of protecting the citizens of Iraq without the help of U.S. forces. Throughout the day, ISF units responded to insurgent attacks and kept the polling sites secure.
"Every day, we have new training developments for the soldiers according to the changes in attack methods," said Brig. Gen. Faisel Malik Mohsin al Zamili, 5th Brigade Federal Police commander. "A lot of IEDs went off today in our sector, but they were all outside the polling site. (That) is a positive point for our forces and is also evidence that the security forces are holding ground and securing the polling sites as needed."
He said for the number of IEDs that went off, relatively few were injured or killed.
Among those who were affected by the IED attacks were a family of seven in their home, and the two bystanders outside the home. Attackers destroyed the family's house soon after the polls opened in the morning. While the family survived, with only minor injuries, two pedestrians outside the home were killed.
That the insurgents chose to attack a local home, instead of a more public location, is a direct credit to the security in place by federal and local Iraqi forces prior to and during the elections, said Dorr.
"Fifth brigade, 2nd Military Police created that bubble around the polling sites that allowed the citizens to cast their votes safely," said Dorr. "I think that's a huge compliment to the approach we took to create that security zone. I think the insurgents recognized that and decided to take another avenue; a very vicious avenue, which is to go directly to a residential location and detonate a device like that."
Al Zamili said the first responders and firefighters were the reason the rescue of the trapped family was so successful. While the loss of life is tragic, he said the attack proved the terrorists only desire to harm the populace; reason enough for all citizens to cooperate with security forces in finding the terrorists.
The attacks, seen throughout the Baghdad area, were notably smaller and less devastating than attacks in past years, said Dorr.
"Predominately, the insurgents have transitioned to a lower scale, lower impact explosive device. They are smaller devices used, not so much to inflict casualties, but to intimidate, to cause fear among the populace," said Dorr. "I think we are seeing a turning point here because the insurgents' strength is diminishing over time. You can see it every day; you can see it as the Iraqi Security Forces are getting more powerful."
As the day progressed, fewer explosions were heard throughout the city. As the afternoon continued, more people continued to fill the streets, enthusiastic about casting their votes.
Dorr gave some credit to the insurgents for the populace's decision to participate in the elections.
"When the Iraqi people see that kind of innocent suffering, and the targeting of innocent civilians, I think at this juncture they are tired of it," he said. "They are absolutely tired of it and they want another option. And they are going to stand up and vote for representatives for whom bringing back security is their number one priority."
The course of events didn't surprise al Zamili.
"It was just like we expected," he said. "The enemy tried their attacks in the morning, to bring the civilians' motivation down so they don't walk to the polling site and vote. But the enemy was not successful with that. That is why we saw groups of people walking to the polling sites."
To al Zamili, it doesn't matter which candidate wins or loses in the elections: March 7 represents a new future for Iraq.
"Change is not easy, it's difficult; but a slow pace is better," he said. "The government is better than it was before. The past elections created the government that is in power today, and these elections will improve the new government in the same way."
To Dorr, the big winners were the ISF and the Iraqi people.
"I think it's a proud day and that although we did see some loss of life, which is a tragic situation, it's not going to stop this country's march forward, and the freedom that this country enjoys now is directly a result of the blood and sweat of the Iraqi Security Forces," said Dorr. "At this point, not only are the Federal Police truly in the lead, the capability of this organization, compared to what it was, is absolutely phenomenal and they are prepared today to carry out this mission unilaterally.
"There are some enablers that they are working on to assist their forces, but for the most part they are standing on their own two feet," he said. "Today was a fine example of that."
As the elections drew to a close, the streets filled with children kicking soccer balls. On the buildings and fences surrounding them, campaign posters covered virtually every open space. Engrossed in their moment, the children ignored the collage of faces and slogans.
(Pvt. Emily V. Knitter writes for 1 BCT-A, 3 ID, USD-C)
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