<%@LANGUAGE="VBSCRIPT" CODEPAGE="1252"%> WorldTribune.com: Mobile — U.S. forces in Iraq get new rules of engagement after agreement

U.S. forces in Iraq get new rules of engagement after agreement

Monday, December 8, 2008 Free Headline Alerts

BAGHDAD — The U.S. military are preparing to change operations and tactics in Iraq.

Officials said U.S. troops in Iraq would receive new rules of engagement in wake of the signing of the Status of Forces Agreement. They said the Iraq Army and security forces would play a lead role in the lion's share of missions, with the U.S. military providing support.

"[It] will require a subtle shift in how we plan, coordinate and execute combat missions throughout Iraq," U.S. military commander Gen. Ray Odierno said.

In a statement to the 150,000 American soldiers in Iraq, Odierno said SOFA would require Baghdad's approval for all operations. He said these operations must be conducted with the Iraq Army and security forces.

"But we must do so with respect for the Iraqi constitution and laws, and we must continue to treat all Iraqi citizens with the utmost dignity and honor," Odierno said. Officials said the U.S. military has already been implementing parts of SOFA, which called for the redeployment of forces by July 2009. They said American soldiers have already been moved out of many Iraqi cities.

"We'll implement the transition, we'll work with the Iraqis and develop a plan for the way ahead and how we're going to conduct this," Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin, the deputy U.S. military commander, said. "There will be some change in how we're doing business. But I think we'll be able to adapt fairly easily."

Austin said Iraqi and U.S. officers were working to improve intelligence on insurgency groups. He said the two sides were also planning operations meant to maximize the effectiveness of the Iraqi security forces.

"I think we've made tremendous strides over the last 10 months that I've been here in terms of partnering with them and developing techniques, I think, that work well on the battlefield and throughout the country," Austin said.

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