Children jump onto a flat-bed truck and celebrate as a crane removes several concrete barriers from a marketplace in Samarra, Iraq, March 23.Another sign of improvement, the blast wall themselves played a key role in preventing infiltration by terrorists, criminals, and death squads. A good day with more to come.
FOB BRASSFIELD-MORA (March 26, 2009) — Scores of Samarra citizens joined provincial and community leaders March 23 as concrete barriers were removed during a ceremony reminiscent of the opening of the Berlin wall nearly 20 years ago.
The concrete barriers, commonly known as T-walls, surround several government and military buildings throughout Samarra to provide a layer of protection against insurgent attacks. While T-walls have become a familiar site in Iraq, they are a sign of more dangerous times, and most citizens agree it’s time for them to go.
Samarra’s mayor, Mahmood Khalaf Ahmed, joined Lt. Col. Sam Whitehurst, commander, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, to witness the first step in a city-wide barrier removal project.
“Samarra has become very peaceful,” said Omar Khaled, a local produce shop owner. “The barriers remind us of bad times, but it is time to look toward the future and enjoy our peace. It is time to reopen Samarra.”
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