Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
07 March 2008
Diggers patrol southern Iraq city
Australian forces in southern Iraq completed their first patrol into the city of Nasiriyah following recent fighting between religious extremists and Iraqi Security Forces (ISF). During the patrol the Australians met with the Commander of Police, Major General Hussein, to discuss security and training issues.
The 516 soldiers of Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4 are mostly drawn from units of the Brisbane-based 7th Brigade. The Battle Group is comprised of the headquarters and cavalry squadrons of the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry), operating Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs); and an Infantry company from the 6th Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR) operating Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles (IMVs).
OBG(W) 4 is based at Tallil Air Base from where it undertakes a security overwatch role for Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar Provinces as part of a larger Coalition Force.
The security role supports the Iraqi Security Forces’ (ISF) and Provincial Government’s efforts to build a secure and stable Iraq. In this role OBG(W) 4 undertakes security patrols, develops ISF capabilities and supports reconstruction and rehabilitation projects. OBG(W) 4 operates as part of the Multi National Force - Iraq (MNF - I).
| 20080303adf8246638_013 The Commanding Officer of Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Websdane (centre) greets Major General Abdul Hussein Hassan Thamir (right), the Commander of police in Dhi Qar, during a patrol in the city of Nasiriyah. (Date taken: 03 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080303adf8246638_059 The Commanding Officer of Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Websdane (right), discusses security and training matters with Major General Abdul Hussein Hassan Thamir, the Commander of Police of Nasiriyah, in Dhi Qar Province. (Date taken: 03 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080303adf8246638_075 The Commanding Officer of Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Websdane (second from right), discusses security and training issues with Iraqi police officers and Major General Abdul Hussein Hassan Thamir (seated next to Lieutenant Colonel Websdane), Commander of police in Dhi Qar, during a meeting at the Joint Operations Centre in Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar province. (Date taken: 03 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080303adf8246638_080 Corporal Michael Durkin (6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment), aged 25 from Perth, scans the surrounding area from the top of the Iraq police headquarters building in Nasiriyah. (Date taken: 03 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080303adf8246638_081 Corporal Michael Durkin (6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment), aged 25 from Perth, scans the area from the top of the Iraq police headquarters building in Nasiriyah for possible threats. (Date taken: 03 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080303adf8246638_114 Lance Corporal Jason West (6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment), aged 28 from Sydney, scans the area from the top of the Iraq police headquarters building in Nasiriyah. (Date taken: 03 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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