Al Fatah Bridge

We used to patrol to this bridge as a platoon almost everyday, but now, we only patrol there may be two to three times per week as a Company. We thought that the IED activity would spike up once the bridge will be opened. But intelligence Agency (S2) has been wrong for the whole time. Prediction based on crunching numbers (Historical data) is usually useful, but it is not the single source for prediction or determining the future. Nonetheless, the future looks very bright for Iraq.


Perseverance Restores Iraqi Spirit
(Story by SPC. Opal Vaungh 14th Public Affairs Detachment)

Iraqi Security Forces, Soldiers and Policemen were scattered about the outskirts of the Tigris River in Bayji, May 8. With their weapons fully loaded, the men paced back and forth scanning their sectors for any disturbances. Iraqi Forces pull security in the rear and front entrances of the newly constructed Al Fatah Bridge.

A ribbon, which was strung horizontally from both sides of Al Fatah, was cut by the governor of Bayji during an official ceremony to open it for public use.

ISF and Coalition Forces continue to work together to bring security to the Iraqi people.

The original bridge that crossed the Tigris River was destroyed during military operations at the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. The collapse of the bridge was sued to control the anti-Iraqi Forces traveling through the Bayji area.

After the fall of Sadaam Hussein’s regime in April of 2003, plans to repair the bridge were put in place and completed. The success of the bridge was overshadowed by anti-Iraqi Forces, who destroyed the bridge using an improvised explosive device in 2005.

Iraqi Security Forces aided in setting the conditions in the area to make it possible to reconstruct the bridge, symbolizing the dedication of the ISF, Burch said.

The skilled workmanship of the Iraqi Army Field Engineer Company along with Coalition Forces, built this monument to the people of Iraq, Burch added.

The bridges stand to promote more trade and stimulate the economy by uniting the areas of Bayji, Hawija and Kirkuk. People of the surrounding areas that live and work on either side of the Tigris River round-trip on a ferry every day, Burch said. “This bridge will ease travel time and expenses for the people of Salad ad Din and Kirkuk.”

Every week, thousands of Iraqi citizens travel to Kirkuk and the Taji Depot, which takes about six hours, said Col. Mahir H. Mohammed, a civil affairs officer with the Iraqi Army. With the construction of the bridge, the people will save two hours of time, and it will restore the flow of oil that coast the Iraqi people millions of dollars every day.

“This bridge is a symbol of the perseverance of the Iraqi spirit and the steadfast dedication to return Iraq to its rightful place in the Arab world. This bridge is a milestone toward the permanent bridge which will usher in a brighter future for the people of Salad ad Din and Kirkuk,” said Burch.