“Everywhere we go, as soon as we’re done, the kids are out playing and people are walking around,” said Capt. Ryan J. Bauman, 2nd Battalion, QRF-1 Mi

Business continued as usual while the Iraqi soldiers of Quick Reaction Force 1 moved into the al-Jumhuliya neighborhood of Basra.

Shops selling everything from fresh fruit to electronics opened up, children went to school and played soccer in the street and men sipped chai and ate kebabs at roadside cafes.

The al-Anbar based QRF-1, elements of the 14^th Iraqi Army Division and Iraqi Police conducted clear and search operations in al-Jumhuliya during the latest stage of Operation Charge of the Knights, the ongoing effort to reduce the influence of criminals, outlaws and militias in Basra.