Posted on 06/11/2008 4:30:49 PM PDT by PROCON
BAGHDAD (AFP) - The US military said on Wednesday that more than 500 insurgents who fought US and Iraqi forces had surrendered their arms in the past three weeks and joined the reconciliation process in central Iraq.
"A total of 506 insurgents in the region of Balad have reconciled with the Iraqi government, choosing a different path for their lives," a military statement said.
It said the 506 insurgents had surrended since May 22 but did not specify exactly how the surrenders worked and the men gave up their arms.
US commander in the region, Lieutenant Colonel Bob McCarthy said "the process seeks to reintegrate those who have felt marginalised back into the maturing governance process here."
"This is a key step in re-establishing their ties to the communities, rejoining their families in their homes and becoming active participants in Iraq's future."
The military said fighters had already led security forces to various weapons caches in the area and that "assorted rockets, artillery rounds, rocket propelled grenade launchers, mortar rounds, rifles and ammunition have been relinquished..."
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Ping!
Big Marine Hoorah!!!
Excellent news!
If we don’t surrender and pull out soon, we might just win this thing.
bump
Headlines in the NY Times tomorrow, yuh think?
Ruh roh!
Obama: “Pull out!! Surrender now!!”
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