(General) Myers Sees Iraqi Army Recruits in Action
"Some of the Iraqi officers said they were encouraged at progress in developing a capable army, as well as confident that they will eventually have the wherewithal to take full control of the security situation across the entire country.
Until I hear that is why they are pulling out, I will give them the benefit of the doubt. If that is the reason, eventually we will hear about it. I will not berate them, that isn't fair to their troops who have died. To even say such a thing about them without proof is abhorant.
Are you aware that WE are also drawing down troops in Iraq?
Are you aware that Italy's withdrawal is dependent upon the adequate build up of Iraqi troops?
Perhaps they don´t like being killed at by their allies.
Iraqi general shot dead by US troops at checkpoint west of Ramadi: police
Published: 3/15/2005
RAMADI, Iraq - The deputy commander of the Iraqi army in western Al-Anbar province was shot dead by US troops at a checkpoint Tuesday night, a police officer said.
"The US forces opened fire at 8:00 pm (1700 GMT) on Brigadier General Ismail Swayed al-Obeid, who had left his base in Baghdadi to head home," police Captain Amin al-Hitti said.
"They spotted him on the road after the curfew, which goes into effect at 6 pm," the officer said in Baghdadi, 185 kilometres (142 miles) west of the capital.
No immediate reaction was available from the US military.
US forces have struggled to build up Iraqi security forces in Al-Anbar, where the country's insurgency is at its strongest, and many police and national guard units are suspected of having been infiltrated by rebels.
AFP and Turkish Press
03/15/2005 19:13 GMT