Iraqi Security Forces Are Greatly Improved, Official Says

American Forces Press Service ^ | Dec 13, 2005 | Gerry Gilmore

[SandRat]

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2005 – Iraqi security forces are proving their effectiveness against the terrorists trying to topple the country's new democratic government, a senior defense official said in Baghdad today. "We have crossed some threshold with the Iraqi security forces that enables us to leave them behind to be the persistent presence in these towns along the Euphrates River Valley, particularly up in Tal Afar," said the official, speaking on background.

Iraqi soldiers and police have made great strides in recent months, the official said. They've also assisted coalition troops, he said, in reducing terrorist presence and influence in the cities of Ramadi and Fallujah -- former hotbeds of anti-government activity -- in the days leading up to the country's Oct. 15 constitutional referendum.

"They had a great effect on Ramadi during the referendum vote," said the official. And thanks to the efforts of Iraqi security forces, he predicted, safe and secure voting will take place in Ramadi and at other polling sites during the Dec. 15 elections.

Expanded Iraqi security presence in Fallujah also has raised expectations of a larger voter turnout there than during the Oct. 15 referendum, the official said. He estimated that 10 million Iraqis countrywide, including large numbers of Sunnis who had previously boycotted the country's elections, will cast ballots on Dec. 15.

The official said Iraqi security forces are adept at securing real estate taken from the terrorists, which he said is a key to stability. Iraqi police and soldiers are gaining the trust of the local citizenry, he said, who in growing numbers are identifying terrorists in their midst to authorities.

"The key to all of this is the ability to hold the ground we've cleared. And that ability has been enabled by the Iraqi security forces," the official said.

[SandRat]

Now this is going to cause distress among the LEFTIST AND RATS

[misterrob]

Yes because these guys don't have to deal with liberal media. They can use tools like pliers, vises and ball peen hammers on terrorists

[armymarinemom]

Numbers as of Sept. 05


Notice how tips increase as the numbers of Iraqi forces increase.

Just think what would happen if we pulled out and these troops were overwhelmed. All of this progress would be lost.

[Marine_Uncle]

As you are well aware, things shall only continue to improve. They need two more years of concentrated build up in all phases of running an army and internal security force that operates more as a commando/swat team then corner traffic cops.
And as many of our Freepers are seeing, the Iraqi army will not be classified at the 1 level until they fully have all their logistic/supply depots fully operational, and their ground armor and airforce are better defined and equiped.
These things take time. And perhaps by the end of 2006, no US or coalition troops shall be found in population centers as has been required. when Sunni's openly threaten to find and kill Abu Musab al-Zarqawi if his goons kill any more Iraqis you know the end is near for the foreign terrorist groups. They are no longer going to be tolerated by all indications.
So I guess your picture of woofie laughing his belly off is quite appropriately displayed.

[Calpernia]

Iraqi soldiers and police have made great strides in recent months, the official said. They've also assisted coalition troops, he said, in reducing terrorist presence and influence in the cities of Ramadi and Fallujah -- former hotbeds of anti-government activity -- in the days leading up to the country's Oct. 15 constitutional referendum.

"They had a great effect on Ramadi during the referendum vote," said the official. And thanks to the efforts of Iraqi security forces, he predicted, safe and secure voting will take place in Ramadi and at other polling sites during the Dec. 15 elections.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[E.G.C.]

BTTT