BAGHDAD — The Iraq Army, is facing its first major test only days after relieving the U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division.
On Thursday, Iraq's government braced for battles between Shi'ites and
Sunnis in wake of an explosion that destroyed a Shi'ite shrine in northern
Baghdad. Hours later, Shi'ites stormed the Interior Ministry and pledged to
avenge what was believed to be a Sunni attack.
Officials said the Iraq Army has been assigned responsibility for 60
percent of the Baghdad area. They said the 5th Brigade has been conducting
independent operations for several months, Middle East Newsline reported.
The Iraq Army's Sixth Division has assumed responsibility for areas in
central and southern Baghdad from the U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division. The
Iraq Army's 5th Brigade was assigned the security control during a ceremony
on Feb. 20.
This was the first major transfer of responsibility to the Iraq Army in
the Baghdad area in 2006. Officials acknowledged that a dispute over who
would command the Iraq Army brigade delayed the handover by several months.
Over the last year, the 5th Brigade trained and conducted joint
operations with the U.S. Army's 4th Brigade Combat Team. The Iraq Army was
trained to assume the battlespace inside and around the so-called
International Zone.
"This brigade has trained hard, and we are ready for the mission," Col.
Mohammed Wasif, the 5th Brigade commander, said. "We promised God and the
government that we will remain loyal soldiers, defending the borders of this
country."
"This event sends a clear message to those who wish to disrupt or doubt
the successful future of Iraq," Col. Michael Beech, the 4th BCT commander,
said. "As our combined forces continue to grow, we will follow the Iraqi
lead as they continue to keep the pressure on the enemies of a free Iraq."
The U.S. Army's 4th BCT would continue to work with the Iraqi Fifth
Brigade in operations in central and southern Baghdad, officials said. They
said the Fifth Brigade would take the lead in joint operations.
The 6th Iraqi Division has been responsible for most of the battlespace
in Baghdad. The 5th Brigade's area of operations covers about 50 square
kilometers of the city.
Officials said the brigade's three battalions would operate primarily
inside the International Zone and the Karradah Peninsula. Iraqi security
forces were assigned responsibility for operating checkpoints in these
areas.
Overall, the Iraqi security forces contain 228,000 trained and equipped
troops, officials said. They said that over the next six months they expect
a significant increase in Iraqi military and police operations independent
of the U.S.-led coalition.
"The responsibility of our army is to protect this country and its
people," Maj. Gen. Mubdar Hatim Hazya Al Duleimi, commanding general, 6th
Division, said. "And because of the bravery of our armed forces that
sacrifice themselves on a daily basis, the amount of insurgent activity will
continue to decrease."
