MOSUL - Local vendors and key leaders from the Mosul city council, Ninawa PRT, and 3rd BCT, 1st Cav Div, gathered on FOB Diamondback, Oct. 3 to announce the reopening of Al Baraka Market in east Mosul.
The Ninawa PRT leader, Patrick Murphy, provided opening remarks at the celebration and recognized the agencies that helped revitalize the market.
"The IA and 3rd BCT, in particular the 2nd Bn, 82 FAR under the leadership of Lt. Col. Benjamin Matthews, were responsible for engaging vendors, assisting them in the economic revitalization of the neighborhood, and taking on the role of being responsible community leaders," said Murphy.
"With nearly 50 individual businesses encompassed in this market, this project is a huge win that provides enduring employment for over 100 individuals and returns a sense of normalcy to the community," said Capt. Joe Himpelmann, cmdr for B Btry, 2-82 FA.
Lt. Col. Hussein, said he was very glad to see this market reopen. He and his Soldiers partnered with 2-82 FA to help make the market opening possible.
"God willing, the market opens; the people can reopen their business and make a living," said Hussein. "They haven't had this in many years, and it will make many people in the neighborhood very happy."
