In one week, U.S. will need Iraqi permission to conduct operations
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 Free Headline Alerts
BAGHDAD — Iraq is gearing up for a significant increase in security responsibility in 2009.
Starting in 2009, officials said, the U.S. military would require permission for any operation in Iraq. They said the military would serve in a support and advisory capacity to both the Iraqi security forces and government. "There will be changes in how we plan, coordinate and carry out tasks," U.S. military spokesman Brig. Gen. David Perkins said. 'However, our mission goals and commitment to the Iraqi people remain unchanged."
Officials said the Iraq Army and police were preparing to assume responsibility for the so-called International Zone in Baghdad.
"I'm confident that our security forces will be able to resume responsibilities, not only in the International Zone or the air space, but everywhere," Iraq Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Qassim Atta said. "Our forces have received responsibility in 13 provinces and even in Baghdad."
Officials said the Iraqi government, in cooperation with the U.S. military, would take direct control of the International Zone on Jan. 1. They said the Iraqi military and police would also assume the lead role in securing national elections on Jan 31.
In a briefing on Dec. 20, Atta said Iraqi authorities would also reopen Sunni neighborhoods in Baghdad, blocked since 2006. He said numerous security barriers would be removed as the government attempts to normalize life in the capital.
The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority would also begin to assume responsibility for the nation's air space. Officials said this would mark a long-term effort as Iraq acquires radars and air defense systems from the United States.
Perkins said the U.S.-led coalition has dropped from 169,000 to 148,000 soldiers since June 2008. He said the coalition has relayed more than 30 areas and facilities to the Baghdad government since July.
"You'll see more and more of our bases where we operate in, and other areas and facilities will probably transition initially to joint areas where we have coalition and Iraqi, and then as we pull back out of the cities, as we continue to decrease our forces, it will then become Iraqi-only," Perkins said. "So I think you're going to continue to see this transition that has been ongoing for a year, but it will be accelerated."
Officials said the security situation in Iraq, despite the improved capabilities of the nation's military and police, remains fragile. They said Al Qaida and Iranian-sponsored Shi'ite militias were still operating and could be planning an offensive in 2009.
"Right now things are going okay," U.S. military commander Gen. Ray Odierno said on Dec. 23. "But until some of these internal tensions can be resolved politically, and so long as there is Al Qaida and Shia extremists out there who try to exploit political fissures, there's still a potential for increased violence."