Iraqi Oil Gets Its Own Police Force

[kskiska]

Recruits Defend Against Infrastructure Sabotage

BAGHDAD -- Until a few weeks ago, the only line of defense at a water-pumping station on an oil pipeline near the northern city of Kirkuk was a burly man named Mohammad, who kept his semi-automatic rifle in a metal safe near the cot where he slept. He had no telephone or radio, and when strangers came by he would shout in Arabic: "Shoo, shoo, go away. Go to Kirkuk."

Dozens of guards now patrol the grounds there, and the shack where Mohammad had been isolated is equipped with the latest communications gear. The security upgrade is part of a new protection service , specifically charged with safeguarding the pipelines and refineries that are the circulatory system of the country's financial lifeblood.

This northern pipeline and other oil facilities around the country have been the targets of repeated attacks of sabotage during the U.S-led occupation, slowing the one key source of revenue for the country and resulting in fuel shortages that have deepened anger toward and suspicion of the interim government here.

"The vast pipeline network was a vulnerable target," said U.S. Army Col. Tom O'Donnell, who is in charge of setting up the oil police. Nearly 10,000 members of the new police force have been deputized since October, and an additional 4,500 are expected to be in place by the middle of next month.

more…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A23664-2004Jan16.html

[et in Arcadia ego...]

1. The "Oil Police"!

Now there's one for the DIPSTICKS in PNAC. :crazy:

[daleo]

2. Wonder how well this is really working

We haven't heard much from this front lately, but it's hard to tell if it is because nothing is happening or because of news suppression.

[The_Casual_Observer]

3. How many of these Oil Police are US Troops?

I see where Col. Tom is in charge, so how many more are there anyway??

[Fridays Child]

4. Of course they do. This is what it's all about.

eom

[RedCloud]

5. defending what matters

So protect the oil. Our troops were unwittingly doing that anyway. Why not make it official? And let's start calling it "OUR" oil since "we" conquered them. Empire, how it reeks.

[NIGHT TRIPPER]

6. TARGET-and I don't mean the store

Yes Sir- Thank you Sir
I'll draw a big bullseye on my back and go to work Sir!
I'll be an oil hero!