Posted on 05/24/2007 5:16:12 PM PDT by SandRat
BAGHDAD A press conference discussing the status of security in Iraq was held at the Combined Press Information Center in the International Zone Wednesday.
Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman and Dr. Ali Al-Dabbagh, spokesman for the government of Iraq, talked about the progress that has been made and continuing efforts that will make Iraq a safer country.
Our commitment to help Iraqs government secure progress and provide hope for its people is strong and clear, Caldwell said.
Coalition forces have been working hard with Iraqis to prepare them for their responsibility of protecting Iraq.
Were working with the MNF-I to supply and train the Iraqi forces so that they can handle the security at the end, because ultimately, they will be responsible about the security situation, said Al-Dabbagh.
The challenges facing the Iraqi people are many as they are trying to establish a judicial system based upon fair treatment under the law while under assault from terrorists, said Caldwell.
The Iraqi security force and its Coalition partners are taking on these outlaws, Caldwell said. We are helping the Iraqis fight Al-Qaeda, which is trying to plant its poisonous ideology in Iraq through horrific terror tactics and mass murders.
During the past week, from May 16-22, Coalition forces conducted 45 focused operations against Al-Qaeda.
These raids resulted in the killing of 19 terrorists and the detention of 88 more, said Caldwell.
There are also ongoing missions to find the three missing Soldiers that were taken on May 12.
Iraqi Police did find the body of a man whom they believe may be one of the missing Soldiers, said Caldwell.
We have received the body and we will work diligently to determine if he is, in fact, one of our missing Soldiers, Caldwell said. We continue to remain hopeful that we will find, safely, all three of our American missing Soldiers.
Caldwell went on to praise the American Soldiers serving in Iraq for their hard work, sacrifice and bravery.
I only hope that I was able to convey to you their incredible dedication, their commitment and their desire to help the Iraqi people and see a better way of life for the future, he said.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.