Posted on 02/23/2007 6:10:19 PM PST by SandRat
BASRAH -- The Iraqi Army division based in Basra has transferred from Coalition command, and is now - for the first time – taking its orders direct from an Iraqi headquarters in Baghdad.
The transfer is a significant step toward Iraqi forces taking responsibility for security in the city.
The milestone agreement was formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Major General Jonathan Shaw, General Officer Commanding Multi National Division (South East), and General Abdul Lateef Thu’ban, Commander of 10 Iraqi Army Division.
“Today marks another important milestone on the road to Iraqi self-reliance. 10 Iraqi Army Division have made impressive progress in recent months,” Shaw said. “I am delighted to be signing this Memorandum of Understanding with General Lateef, Commanding General 10 Division, setting out how we will continue to support him and his soldiers to deliver security to all the citizens of South East Iraq.”
Under the terms of the MOU, which defines the coordination, cooperation and responsibilities agreed between 10 IA Div and MND (SE), Iraqi soldiers will take more of a lead on security operations, whilst Multi National Forces move to a more supporting role.
The new arrangements were used in full during last week’s Operation Troy - a successful security crackdown which saw the reinforcing and closure of border crossing points between Iran and Iraq.
Hopefully that frees up some US troops to go elsewhere, like Baghdad or Tikrit.
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