By Special Police Transition Team
BAGHDAD — The Airport Road here was once one of the most violent and dangerous roads in the country. Roadside bombs, small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade attacks were an everyday occurrence. Visiting dignitaries, news reporters and the soldiers tasked with providing security were well aware of these dangers along this five-mile stretch, known to the coalition forces as Route Irish.
Things began to change in late 2004 and early 2005. The coalition recognized the critical importance of this main artery between Baghdad International Airport and the International Zone, located in the heart of Baghdad. A new focus was given to clear the road of debris, reduce the number of “blind spots,” and control access to the highway. Slowly, the number of attacks on Route Irish fell until it became one of the safest and most secure, and most heavily traveled main highways in Baghdad.
It was during this time that the 1st Mechanized Brigade, Iraqi National Police took the lead in providing security along the Airport Road.
BAGHDAD — The Airport Road here was once one of the most violent and dangerous roads in the country. Roadside bombs, small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade attacks were an everyday occurrence. Visiting dignitaries, news reporters and the soldiers tasked with providing security were well aware of these dangers along this five-mile stretch, known to the coalition forces as Route Irish.
Things began to change in late 2004 and early 2005. The coalition recognized the critical importance of this main artery between Baghdad International Airport and the International Zone, located in the heart of Baghdad. A new focus was given to clear the road of debris, reduce the number of “blind spots,” and control access to the highway. Slowly, the number of attacks on Route Irish fell until it became one of the safest and most secure, and most heavily traveled main highways in Baghdad.
It was during this time that the 1st Mechanized Brigade, Iraqi National Police took the lead in providing security along the Airport Road.
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(Photo: Armored vehicles have become standard equipment for Iraqi National Police operating in the Iraqi capital. Here a crew from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Mechanized Brigade, Iraqi National Police provide over watch of a checkpoint. US Army photo by Capt. Jared Levant, 3rd Special Police Transition Team.)
(Photo: Armored vehicles have become standard equipment for Iraqi National Police operating in the Iraqi capital. Here a crew from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Mechanized Brigade, Iraqi National Police provide over watch of a checkpoint. US Army photo by Capt. Jared Levant, 3rd Special Police Transition Team.)
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