http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=30794Securing Iraq’s borders has been a key issue in trying to stop the insurgency by keeping foreign fighters out. And under the Iraq Reconstruction Program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region District and the Project and Contracts Office are building 234 new border forts.
But even though $18 billion has been allotted for 2,800 planned projects throughout the country, progress has been slow. Of the 45 border forts planned in the Kirkuk region, 40 had an original July 31 deadline for completion. None met that deadline.
Once in place, the forts will help Iraqi border police keep a keen eye out for people entering the country illegally, according to Donna Street, area engineer for the Kirkuk region.
In Khormal province, many of the border police are headquartered in cities that are up to an hour or more away from the border with Iran, which runs primarily along a mountain range. The terrain is rugged, and the dirt road leading to the border is suitable only for durable sport utility vehicles.
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
