The U.S. military has reduced its presence in northern
Iraq.
Over the last year, U.S. officials said, the U.S. military has reduced its
presence in north-central Iraq from 27 to 17 bases. They said the Iraq Army
has proven capable of assuming security responsibility, but still required
U.S. logistical support.
"During our time, we have been able to close 10 U.S. forward operating
bases, turning most of those over to Iraqi army units, therefore reducing
coalition force presence," Maj. Gen. Joseph Taluto, commander of the U.S.
Army's 42nd Infantry Division, said. "In fact, soon, the former palace
complex of Saddam Hussein in Tikrit, once the headquarters of Task Force
Liberty and the 42nd Division, will be turned over to the people of Iraq."
[On Saturday, at least 25 Iraqis were killed in a car bombing in a
market near Baqubah, Middle East Newsline reported. The area was said to be populated mostly by Shi'ites.]
Taluto, also in charge of the Multinational Division in north-central
Iraq, said Iraqi security forces have been steadily progressing. He said the
Iraq Army has two division headquarters, five brigades and 18 battalions in
his area of command.
"Nearly half of our operations in MND North-Central are led by or
conducted only by Iraqi army
forces," Taluto said. "They are equipped with over 85 percent of their
organizational equipment
and are working towards sustainment capabilities."
The general said the Iraq Army and police continue to be hampered by an
inadequate logistical infrastructure. Taluto said Iraqi army and police
forces were still unable to obtain spare parts, maintenance, repairs, light
arms or heavy weapons.
"We want the Iraqi [military] leaders to sustain themselves as the
coalition draws down," Taluto said. "They have to improve."
Taluto also reported a decrease in Al Qaida influence in his region. He
said suicide bombings have dropped steadily since a peak in June 2005.
"Number one, I think we're getting further division between Al Qaida in
Iraq and the Iraqi rejectionists or Saddamists," Taluto said. "I don't think
Al Qaida in Iraq's message is resonating very well, and I think we're
seeing, at least in North-Central, we're not seeing as much of their
influence in there."
