State Partnership Program

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Lt. Col. Baggio

Multi-National Corps Iraq Public Affairs

Oct. 8, 2004 | 15:00

Talks to a KXXV reporter about how cleaning out the anti-Iraqi forces in Samarra and Mosul enabled the troops to start reconstruction projects; new schools, hospitals, etc,the main priority for the troops is to secure Iraq so that rebuilding may be accomplished; security is tight on construction sites. He explains three-tiered approach to security in Iraq: local, regional, and strategic overwatch. He also praises Iraqi security forces- Iraqi National Guard, Iraqi police, and Iraqi Army- for doing more missions on their own. They took over the Golden Mosque in Samarra without US forces. They also captured about 50 anti Iraqi forces at an industrial complex. Lt. Col. Baggio says the recent targets of insurgents are those "true patriots" trying to become a part of the security forces. This did not prevent 805 new Iraqi police recently graduating. Lt. Col. Baggio says he still sees lines filled with those who want to serve despite the car bombing threats. Video from Multi-National Corps Iraq Public Affairs.