Iraqis move closer to sovereignty

Frontline Online ^ | 12/08/05 | Spc. Rick Rzepka

[HonduGOP]

Spc. Rick Rzepka Staff Sgt. Raymond Piper 2nd BCT Public Affairs

AL HILLAH, Iraq — Coalition instructors tested and certified the combat readiness of the 2nd Iraqi Army Brigade this week, and announced that the troops are ready to plan and conduct military operations independently in Babil Province, in south-central Iraq. Meanwhile along the Syrian border, Iraqi forces also assumed greater control of the area. “I won’t forget this day,” Iraqi Defense Minister Saadoun al-Dulaimi said. “The insurgents are no longer con- Iraqis move closer to sovereignty trolling the border. Our friends have helped us.” The ceremony in the Iraqi- Syrian border town of Husaybah was also attended by Brig. Gen. Ahmed Ali Muhsin al-Khafaggi, deputy minister of the Interior for Support Forces; and Gen. George Casey, MNF-I commander. Controlling the borders is the key to Iraqi sovereignty, Coalition officials said. They said developing capable border forces will significantly disrupt entry for terrorists and foreign fighters and integrate with provincial counterinsurgency efforts. The 2nd Iraqi Army Brigade from al Hillah successfully accomplished its certification process Nov. 29. Military instructors from Multi-National Division Central- South tested the combat readiness of 2nd Brigade Headquarters and subunits. The exam confirmed that the 2nd Brigade is ready to plan and conduct military activities independently, officials said. They said it opens the way to hand over the responsibility for a safe and secure environment in Babil Province from Coalition Forces to Iraqi Army units.

[HonduGOP]

Great news from the frontline! This is not good news for Murtha & Co. who have thrown in the towel and raised their white flag.

[USS Alaska]

Bet this will make headlines on the msm. not It must suck to be a demonRAT and watch the Iraqi victory about to change the entire middle east. The suicide watch at the dnc will be code red.