World Tribune.com

U.S. upbeat over prospects for Iraqi special forces

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Friday, May 6, 2005

BAGHDAD — The United States plans to expand Iraqi special forces units after early successful results.

U.S. officials said that over the last six months the Iraqi police special forces have demonstrated a high level of skills in a range of special weapons and tactics [SWAT] operations. They said the Emergency Response Unit [ERU] unit has captured leading insurgents in both joint and independent operations.

The Iraqi police special operations squad has been training in Camp Dublin near Baghdad International Airport, Middle East Newsline reported. Training began in July 2004 by the U.S. military's Civilian Police Assistance Training Team.

Officials said the training has focused on three areas: SWAT, emergency response, and VIP protection, similar to functions carried out by the U.S. Secret Service. They said the U.S. training team has also been responsible for organizing, training, equipping and mentoring the entire Iraqi police force.

"We never had this kind of organization, this kind of specialized training," an Iraqi company commander said.

About 30 percent of cadets graduate after eight weeks of basic and advanced courses, officials said. ERU was meant to carry out missions such as hostage takeovers or high-risk search and arrest operations.

U.S. Army Col. Ted Westhusing, senior adviser for the special operations training program, said ERU comprises three companies of 60 members each. Westhusing said that by June 2006 the U.S. military hopes to form a regimental-size unit and add support, training and headquarters companies.

In March 2005, ERU helped the U.S. Army in efforts to free hostages held by Sunni insurgents. The Iraqis captured what the U.S. military termed two high-value targets following an attack on the 25th Infantry Division that resulted in U.S. casualties as well as a suspect charged with the abduction and beheading of one of the Iraqi police team members.

Officials said the U.S.-led coalition intends to train a total of 20 SWAT teams of 27 members each. One team would be deployed in each of Iraq's 18 provinces. The additional two would be placed in provinces with large cities, such as Baghdad. Nine teams have graduated so far.


Copyright © 2005 East West Services, Inc.

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