New tools to fight insurgents

BAGHDAD — It may appear to some that the task of restoring law and order to the streets of Baghdad is too daunting a job for the Iraqi Police. However, the officers of Baghdad ’s Rusafah Police Directorate believe that through proper training, hard work and advanced technology they can rid the city of insurgency and terrorism.

The directorate recently unveiled some of its tools, showcasing a bomb-sniffing dog and a new secure communications system. The police also demonstrated an advanced detainee database and an improvised explosive device-detecting robot.

The Rusafah Police demonstrated one of their new improvised explosive device-detecting robots. Department of Defense photo by Navy Journalist 2nd Class John J. Pistone.

During the demonstration, Iraqi Police Gen. Adnon, commanding officer of the Rusafah Directorate, said he was very proud of the Police officers in his area.

"These officers have worked very hard to learn the skills necessary to fight the insurgency," Adnon said with the help of an interpreter. "We are very proud to be able to show you our skills and new technologies."

Adnon said the addition of new equipment will help Police secure the streets of Baghdad , while the new armored vehicles will insure the safety of his officers.

"Thanks to the help of our Coalition brothers we now have some of the most modern weapons available to defeat the terrorists," he said. "The new trucks mean that our officers can safely stay out on patrol, which means our city will be safer."

The Rusafah Police demonstrated one of their new improvised explosive device-detecting robots. Department of Defense photo by Navy Journalist 2nd Class John J. Pistone.

According to U.S. Army Capt. Rob Rodock, commander of the 204th Military Police Company working with the Rusafah Police, getting the equipment into the hands of the Iraqis was just one piece of the puzzle.

"This police department is responsible for quite a large area in Baghdad – basically anything that happens on the east side of the Tigris falls under this directorate," Rodock said. "They now have and know how to use a K9 unit, IED-detecting robots, the JUMP detainee database system and night vision goggles. Their proficiency in using these new tools is what matters most."

At the end of the showcase, Adnon issued a warning to those who practice or support terrorism or the insurgency.

"To the terrorists I say: ‘Beware. We now have the tools and the skills to defeat you, our officers are no longer sitting waiting for you. We are going to take the fight to you, find you and those who support you and in the name of Iraq , we will defeat you.'"

Category: (Military) Press Release and Iraq.