Al Sha Ab, Iraq-? With the gradual handing over of different institutions and areas of control, the march toward true Iraqi security independence continues.
Members of the Coalition participated in a ceremony on January 3rd, handing over full Iraqi legal jurisdiction to Forward Operating Base Callahan to members of the Iraqi Government. Speeches were made by several distinguished guests, and overall the transition went very smoothly.
Forward Operating Base Callahan was located in the Sha?ab Market and served the entire Adhamiyah region, to keep security and insurgency out of the area. With the New Year and new security agreement, the Coalition and the Iraq government agreed it was time for the Iraqi Ministry of Trade to take over administration of the FOB Callahan.
It was a coalition camp since March of 2007, and now its being given back to become a central shop and marketplace, because of the increased safety and security being maintained by the Iraqi Security Forces.
Concrete barriers are scheduled to be removed, and the building renovated so it can immediately be used for a market facility. It will also facilitate traffic because two major roads in the area will be available again to the local community.