United States Marine Corps

Press Release
Public Affairs Office
1st MARINE DIVISION
1stLt Eric M. Knapp

Contact: KnappEM@1mardivdm.usmc.mil

Release # 0514-04-1249

Terrorists target Iraqis after Marines visit
May 14, 2004

AR RAMADI, IRAQ -- THE WAY AHEAD:

The 1st Marine Division is currently focused on destroying Anti-Iraqi Forces in the Al Anbar province. Simultaneously, the Marines are establishing patient, persistent presence in the key areas throughout the province while supporting the development of competent, trustworthy, Iraqi Security Forces and conducting civil military operations.

CIVIL MILITARY OPERATIONS:

KHARMA – Residents near Al Kharma were attacked by terrorists following a visit by Marines.

An area of highway settlements was attacked by terrorists’ rockets following an impromptu visit by Marines with local residents. Marines are planning on returning to these villages to offer money to assist in rebuilding and repairing damages brought by terrorists.

Terrorists continue to show they harbor no concern for the destruction of homes, businesses and lives of the Iraqis. Marines will continue to hunt down those who bring fear and terror to innocent Iraqis while assisting in helping Iraqis transition to their own government and security.

Marines visited residents along a main highway after meeting with a sheik in Al Kharma. Marines stopped along the highway and talked to residents, passing out copies of “Freedom Magazine,” a Coalition-published Arabic-language magazine and coloring books for the children. Marines also asked what improvements were needed in their areas and most responded electricity and phones.

RAMADI – Civil Affairs teams visited two schools near Ar Ramadi to check on the progress of renovations there. The Amel Shaabi School requested more work be done, including additional concrete to prevent flooding, additional classrooms, clean water and a computer.

The Ahzem School in the Fahad tribal area was also visited. The school has 250 students, both boys and girls, six classrooms and eight teachers. The school has not been renovated, but appeared to be in good repair.

Civil Affairs teams also met with Ar Ramadi city government officials to discuss a business proposal for five garbage companies there. Five individuals in five separate city districts were identified as possible new business owners. Each company would employ roughly 60 Iraqis in job ranging from workers and foremen to accountants, affecting nearly 300 families in all.

Start-up cost is estimated at $62,000 per company, including a pay loader shovel, a tractor and trailer and a dump truck.


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