Baqubah ceremony highlights transition in security in Diyala
Multi-National Division – North - DIYALA, Iraq – A ceremony to celebrate the transition of security in the cities from Coalition forces to Iraqi Security Forces was held in Baqubah on June 25.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials in the Diyala province along with Coalition leadership from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team and the 25th Infantry Division.
During the ceremony Diyala governor Abd-al-Nasir al-Mahdawi spoke of the transition in security and the efforts by many to gain and hold stability in Diyala. Former Diyala Governor Ra’ad, Brig. Gen. James Nixon deputy commanding general for operations 25th Infantry Division, and Col. Burt
The ceremony, which included a dinner for the guests, was one of two being held in Diyala in the days leading up to the June 30 deadline for U.S. combat forces pull out of Iraqi cities, villages, and communities. On June 29, a transition ceremony is scheduled to occur in another city in Diyala province, Muqdadiah, which will focus on the progress made towards peace and stability in that community and region.
“This event certainly displays the high degree of cooperation made by the Iraqi Security Forces and the Coalition in recent history,” said, Maj. Chris Hyde, 1/25SBCT public affairs officer. “The Iraqi Army and Police Force have improved dramatically in their ability to provide security for the people and communities of the province. As Coalition forces pull out of the region’s cities, we leave the people of Diyala in the strong, capable, and energetic hands of the Iraqi Security Forces.”
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