<%@LANGUAGE="VBSCRIPT" CODEPAGE="1252"%> WorldTribune.com: Mobile — U.S. credits growing evidence of Iran threat for Iraqi combat gains

U.S. credits growing evidence of Iran threat for Iraqi combat gains

Friday, April 18, 2008 Free Headline Alerts

BAGHDAD — Iraqi security forces, despite setbacks, are making headway in operations against Iranian-backed militias, U.S. officials said.

The officials credited growing recognition of the Iran threat and experience for improved performance. They said Iraq Army and police were leading combat missions against Shi'ite militias in Basra and Baghdad that have resulted in a decline in insurgency and criminal activities.

"Lord knows we found stashes and stashes of weapons in Basra a couple of weeks ago that were clearly provided by the Iranians," Defense Department spokesman Geoff Morrell said. "And that Lord knows that the rockets and the missiles that have been falling upon the Green Zone, attacking and killing not just U.S. personnel there but Iraqis — and I should remind everybody that the Iraqi government lives and functions within the Green Zone — that those were provided by the Iranians. So this is a threat not just to coalition forces and American personnel, but to the very government of Iraq, and I think they realize that threat and are determined to do something about it."

"In Basra this week, Iraqi security forces continued operations against illegally armed gangs, intimidation and extortion groups, and other criminals," U.S. military spokesman Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll said. "Although there still is much work to be done, citizens in Basra are beginning to report a return to normal life."

Officials said Iraqi security forces have reported gains in Basra since late March. They said police have arrested more than 430 suspected criminals, including 28 fugitives who escaped death row.

The Interior Ministry has also asserted that stability was being restored in Basra, the scene of heavy fighting in late March. Officials said Basra residents were cooperating and relaying tips to police on suspected criminal hideouts.

"Coalition forces continue to provide operational advisors, surveillance information, and air-strike support for operations in Basra," Driscoll said on April 14. "But the progress thus far in Basra is largely due to the resolve and bravery of the Iraqi ground forces, the efficiency of the Iraqi air force in maintaining supply and support, and the operational direction of Iraqi civilian and military leadership."

Iraqi security forces have been relying heavily on U.S. military units in Baghdad, officials said. They said Iraqi forces have sought to restore order in Baghdad's Sadr City, the base of the Iranian-backed Mahdi Army.

"Without improved security, it is difficult to provide essential services so that people can live their lives peacefully and freely," Driscoll said.

Officials said the Iraqi security forces have sought to demonstrate their capability to conduct operations independent of the United States. They said the Iraqi forces, whose performance was deemed "uneven" in Basra against Iranian-backed militias, were moving toward becoming a professional fighting unit.

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