Hand over of security role
Volume 11, No. 48, July 27, 2006

Celebration: Iraqis celebrate at the Provincial Iraqi Control handover ceremony in As Samawah.

THE Australian Army has handed over responsibility for security in Al Muthanna to Iraqi Security Forces during a formal ceremony in the province’s capital.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki attended the July 13 event at the sports stadium in As Samawah. Governor Mohamed Al Hassani signed the Memorandum of Understanding between Al Muthanna province and the coalition during the ceremony, making Al Muthanna the first Iraqi province to achieve the milestone.

CO AMTG3 Lt-Col Michael Mahy said the AMTG soldiers had trained about 1650 soldiers in the Iraqi Army’s 2nd Brigade since May 2005.

“The soldiers were trained to the high standard of Level 1 – the first Iraqi Army units to reach this level,” he said. “In conjunction with other Iraqi security forces, these soldiers will now assume responsibility for security in the province.”

Lt-Col Mahy, who was present during the historic signing along with senior coalition and Iraqi Government representatives, said the 450-strong AMTG had played a key role in the formal transition of Provincial Iraqi Control to 2nd Brigade.

“The brigade is already conducting security operations in Al Muthanna, and has a close relationship with the Australian task group,” he said.

AMTG3 will relocate from Camp Smitty to the coalition air base at Tallil, about 80km south-east of As Samawah.

Lt-Col Mahy said the ADF personnel would continue to engage with Iraqi Security Forces in Al Muthanna, in close cooperation with government authorities.

“This will involve a range of activities, including regular meetings with local leaders, liaison with the Iraqi Security Forces and supporting and mentoring the Iraqi Security Forces as they consolidate their capabilities,” he said.
Lt-Col Mahy said the task group’s Civil Military Cooperation program would also continue to provide reconstruction assistance.
Defence Minister Dr Brendan Nelson said he welcomed the announcement of the transfer of security responsibility in Al Muthanna to the Iraqi Government. “As well as representing a further step towards Iraqi democracy, Al Muthanna’s move to full provincial security control is a tribute to Australia’s efforts,” Dr Nelson said.

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