KARMA, Iraq -- The Karma Iraqi Police Station was bustling with activity. Men lined up inside the station as family members waited outside, waiting for the words that they have been waiting to hear, “You are free to go to your families.”
Marines of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, assisted the Iraqi Police release approximately 40 Iraqis back to their families and home May
“The significance of their release is that it demonstrates that the area is very secure and that we are working with the locals to return their country back to a state of stability,” said Capt. James E. Gallagher, staff judge advocate, 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines.
The men were released after they were screened by officials and considered not to be a threat to the peace and stability in the area.
“The Iraqi Police demonstrated a lot of initiative in organizing the event and screening the individuals to determine if they still posed a threat,” Gallagher said. “They also have established a parole program to monitor the detainees’ reintegration into society.”
The Marines assisted with the reintegration into society for the men who were once held at long-term detention facilities.
“I think that the program as a whole demonstrates the Iraqi Police’s ability to function on their own,” Gallagher said. “That they are capable of doing things on their own.”