|
Treading carefully in Iraq
The Norwegian troops in Iraq have increased security measures after the situation in their area of operations has become increasingly tense. In spite of this company commander Torger Gillebo insists that the soldiers are not concerned.
By Jahn Rønne, FMS
CAUTIOUS: The Norwegians put much effort into mapping out safe routes of transport through their area of operations in Southern Iraq. The picture was taken before the situation got tenser, and now the use of protective equipment has increased. Photo: Geir Løvhaug, PIO, NCC in Iraq.
Nevertheless the situation still takes its toll, as rocks are thrown at Norwegian vehicles. During the weekend several vehicles suffered broken windows, but there were no injuries among the troops, said Major Torger Gillebo, commander of the company of engineers currently in Iraq. He explains the increased tension in the area as impatience among the locals as a result of lacks of fuel and electrical power.
- We are probably also seen to be a part of the forces of occupation, a military vehicle is a military vehicle no matter which nation it belongs to, explains Gillebo.
- Hence, with the help of our translators, we try to explain people what it is we are here to do wherever possible.
Caution
The company commander also explains which cautionary measures are taken in the area.
- Before anyone leaves the base they are given a thorough briefing on the current situation, and which roads are to be used. In advance the British battle group has is also contacted so that they can approve the movement.
- Some times we request support from the British, and other times we provide our own security. If conditions are not deemed to be one hundred per cent secure, the British do not approve any movement through the are, adds Major Gillebo.
INTERACTION: Where it is possible to explain to the locals what the Norwegian soldiers are tasked to do in Iraq, the contact between the troops and the locals is positive. Photo: Geir Løvhaug, PIO, NCC in Iraq.
Many tasks
The Major also explains that the need for Norwegian assistance in the area is massive, but that due to the size of their force and the resources at their disposal, they can only take on a small portion of the tasks that need their attention.
- Recently one of our platoons has been out mapping areas where bomblets and unexploded munitions have been found. Another platoon has built a vehicle checkpoint. Others have been reconnoitring in an area around a dam where we might commence work, lists Gillebo.
- Further more units have been putting up power-lines and some have commenced work on bridges in the area. We have yet to complete the first bridge that we commenced work on, but we are about to commence work on a second bridge that needs repairs nonetheless. In addition to the tense situation in the area, the high temperatures and extreme humidity is also a major challenge to the Norwegian troops, adds the company commander.
It helps to communicate
The operations officer of the company, Captain Frank Halvorsen, explains that in areas where the Norwegians have been working for longer periods of time, for example while repairing bridges, they have been able to get well along with the local population while communicating with them through interpreters.
At the same time the soldiers are well aware of the tense situation, and are putting their protective equipment to more use than they first did on their arrival when the situation was more relaxed.
|
|
