Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Iraqi forces begin assuming operational authority

More big steps forward for the Iraqi security forces and steps that bring a majority of our troops closer to home.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi forces continue to assume operational authority over more of their country, taking an ever-increasing lead in securing the region. Two separate handovers, one Jan. 31 and the other the day prior, ceded control to Iraqi Army divisions, and in another instance Iraqi forces asserted their authority by planning and leading raids against terrorists near Baqubah.

Forward Operating Base Honor is under positive control of the 5th Brigade, 6th Iraq Army Division in the latest regional assumption by Iraqi Forces Jan. 31.

[...] Just the day prior, the 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division gained control of its own battle space.

The unit’s commander, Brig. Gen. Ali Mullah, accepted responsibility for the area south of Mosul in a legal and ceremonial transfer of authority from the Coalition’s 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

“The terrorists are taking their last breaths and the end is near…there is no place for them [to hide],” said Mullah.


Good work and good luck Iraqis!