RAWAH, Iraq -- Combat Outpost Rawah was transferred from Coalition forces to the Government of Iraq, July 29, 2009, demonstrating the tremendous progress Iraqi Security Forces and the Government of Iraq have made in preserving peace and stability throughout Al Anbar province.
The district of Rawah has undergone a monumental transformation in recent years, changing from a war-torn district to a region that continues to grow in prosperity.
“The government of Iraq is seeing to this transfer from the Coalition forces to the Government of Iraq,” said Sameer Alhaddad, the receivership secretariat and prime minister’s representative for the Government of Iraq, through an interpreter. “I can see in [the Iraqi Security Forces’] eyes, they are ready to take control of our country,” Alhaddad said.
“This is a momentous event today - transferring Combat Outpost Rawah to the Government of Iraq and the Iraqi Security Forces,” said Lt. Col. Paul J. Nugent, commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8. “This transfer is possible today because of the 28th Iraqi Army Brigade. I’m proud to have served side-by-side with the ISF, and I wish them all the best in their future successes.”
In accordance with the Security Agreement between the United States and Iraq, and upon U.S. departure from a base or facility, that base or facility is returned to the control of the appropriate Iraqi entity or demilitarized and closed. Combat Outpost Rawah was transferred back to Iraqi control because the Iraqi Security Forces have assumed full responsibility for security throughout the Rawah district.