U.S. military transfers security responsibility for Mahmudiyah area

Stars & Stripes ^

[SandRat]

The U.S. military handed over to Iraqi forces on Monday security responsibilities for Mahmudiyah, one of the contentious areas south of Baghdad.

Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division held an “Iraqis in the Lead” transfer of area ceremony on Monday, giving responsibility to the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division.

[SandRat]

Gee,... more good war news

[Marine_Uncle]

"Gee,... more good war news."
This could be seen as a bad move as well. The town is a key area for Sunni/AQIR to roam about. It is right on the main N/S route into Baghdad from points south such as Najaf, Hillah etc..
Along with Latifiya, Yousefiy, Iskandaria, and some other small villages in the thirty some square mile area, it has long been the key hot bed for terrorist supporters, that live there, as well as the terrorist movements.
If the US really feels they are ready to take this AOR over then perhaps it is good news. Surely we would not pull out if they where not up to it. But they surely are going to have to stay on top of things.

[AZLiberty]

Is that the place from the song that goes, "Mahmudiyah, Mahmudiyah, Mahmudiyah ... wo-o-oh"?

[USMCPOP]

I'n not sure handing over part of the "triangle of death" to the locals is going to work. I hope so. It could easily go from a hotbed to a headquarters, and a point of infiltration into the Iraqi Army.

[Marine_Uncle]

".... It could easily go from a hotbed to a headquarters, and a point of infiltration into the Iraqi Army."
Agree on basic grounds, with what you say. I assume the US will continue to keep a close watch on how their Divisional and BN level HQ operate. Perhaps there will remain a close tie in with our forces, especially the task force groups. And of course they will need our instand air support when required.
In any case. If Casey and company feel they are ready, perhaps we are knit picking. Surely anyting we bring out in the negative has gone through the mill and analyized as to what probablility they have of really taking over successfully. Who knows. They may simply be ready to take control. Guess we shall see in the next two months or so, if this was a wise decision.