RELEASE No. 20100309-02
March 9, 2010

BAGHDAD – Task Force Marne units in United States Division-North successfully fulfilled their supporting role to the Iraqi Security Forces today as the citizens of Iraq went to the polls to vote for the next leaders of their country.

Iraqi Security Forces performed magnificently as they defeated local extremist attacks aimed at discouraging the Iraqi people from voting.  At the end of the day, the Iraqi people were victorious as they successfully executed the elections in a secure environment created and maintained by their security forces.

The Iraqi Security Forces’ plan was put to the test early in the day. At approximately 9:30 a.m., reports filtered into the task force headquarters describing extremist attempts to stop the voting process.  Despite initial extremist attempts, the plan held together, and it soon became apparent that the ISF was in control.  At the end of the day, the ISF, with minimal assistance from their Task Force Marne partners, found and cleared more than 44 IEDs before they injured or killed innocent Iraqis.

Additionally, extremist attacks were ineffective.  Of the approximately 67 attacks throughout the day, only 17 caused injury to people.  In all, it was reported through Iraqi sources that one Iraqi policeman lost his life in the performance of his duties protecting his countrymen.

When it became apparent that the enemy had expended most of their efforts in the early part of the day, Task Force Marne leaders noticed that the Iraqis were continuing to make the trek to the polls.  As reports came in and the polling places filled up, it was obvious that the undaunted Iraqis would not allow extremists to keep them from participating in democracy.  

“The Iraqi people are dismissing the extremists by their actions this afternoon,” said Col. Dave Funk, commander, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, in Diyala Province.

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