THE TENSION: Combat Camera: Operation Lion Victory Celebrates Security Gains in Hawijah

Col. Abdullah Azziz Kareem, 2nd Brigade, 4th Iraqi Division commander, presents a certificate of achievement to one of his soldiers for his bravery in fighting extremists in the city of Hawijah during Operation Lion Victory, Feb. 14. Operation Lion Victory was a celebration recognizing 1st Battalion (Lion Battalion) 2nd Brigade, 4th Iraqi Division's successful stand and defense of the Hawijah District against al-Qaida and extremist organizations that once plagued the city of Hawijah. The event was highlighted by a market walk conducted by key members of the Kirkuk provincial government to include the provincial governor, deputy governor and provincial council chairman. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Bendet)

Hawijah council chairman Abu Saddam, Kirkuk provincial council chairman, Rizgar Ali, Kirkuk provincial Gov. Mustafa, deputy provincial Gov. Rokaan Siad and Mayor Moshen from Zaab, walk the streets of downtown Hawijah toward the market square to see first hand the security improvements achieved in the once violent city on Feb. 14. Hawijah has enjoyed an 80 percent reduction in violent activities over the last 3 months since the standing up nearly 6,000 Sons of Iraq members in early December 2007 according U.S. military sources. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Bendet)

Left to right, Kirkuk provincial council chairman, Rizgar Ali, Mayor Moshen of Zaab, and Kirkuk provincial Gov. Mustafa enjoy a cup of chai during their visit to Hawijah market square on Feb. 14. Hawijah has enjoyed an 80 percent reduction in violent activities over the last 3 months since the standing up nearly 6,000 Sons of Iraq members in early December 2007 according U.S. military sources. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Bendet)

Kirkuk provincial Gov. Mustafa, Hawijah council chairman Abu Saddam and Hawijah police chief Fattah, speak with local merchants and citizens to hear their concerns during a market walk conducted by key members of the Kirkuk provincial government officials on Feb. 14. "Hawijah has enjoyed significant security gains during the last few months brought largely by local citizens standing up against extremists and working together with Iraqi security forces, " said Col. David Paschal, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division commander. "The extremist's ability to threaten and intimidate the innocent civilians of Hawijah has been severely diminished," said Paschal. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Bendet)

Kirkuk provincial council chairman Rizgar Ali and Kirkuk Deputy Gov. Rokaan Siad speak with Hawijah merchants and customers about their concerns to better understand the needs of the citizens of Hawijah Feb. 14. "Today's visit by the key leaders of the Kirkuk province highlights the significant security improvements in this once violent city and is a testament to the provincial government's commitment to bring unity among all its citizens," said Col. David Paschal, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Bendet)