BAGHDAD — U.S. officials in Iraq said the number and succes rate of roadside bombs or improvised explosive device (IED) strikes have been reduced in
the last half of 2005.
The officials said the corresponding failure rate of IED attacks has
steadily risen as the result of the introduction of enhanced technology and methods by
U.S. forces.
Officials said a spike in IED attacks took place in September 2005, Middle East Newsline reported.
Since then, Sunni bombing strikes have steadily decreased in both numbers
and effectiveness.
"If you look at those attacks that are being conducted, the majority of
them are not successful," Maj. Gen. William Webster, commander of
Multinational Division-Baghdad, said. "Successful meaning causing injury or
damage to us or to the Iraqi people."
Webster told a briefing on Dec. 30 that 10 percent of IED attacks have
been deemed successful. He said that in early 2005 the success rate was 30
percent.
As a result, the general said, Sunni insurgents have resorted to other
methods. Webster cited drive-by shootings and mortars, which he also deemed
as mostly unsuccessful.
"About a year ago, when we took over, about 25 to 30 percent of the
[IED] attacks were successful, so down around 10 percent now," Webster said.
"And also the type of attacks has been disrupted, so that they're conducting
attacks that don't require them, for the most part, to make and plant
explosive devices."
Officials said the U.S. military strategy in 2006 would focus on
bolstering Iraq's military and police. They said the Defense Department has
approved plans to significantly increase U.S. military trainers and mentors
while reducing combat troops.
"There's room for improvement, and I think the Iraq government
understands that and is working toward that goal," Gen. Peter Pace, chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a television interview on Sunday.
