BAGHDAD — Iraq has received responsibility for a forward operating
base.
The Forward Operating Base Duke was transferred from the U.S.-led
coalition to the Interior Ministry on Oct. 1. The FOB, based in Kalsu in the
Najaf province, was part of a plan to relay responsibility for all southern
provinces to the Iraqi government and military control.
"This is a significant step in the ISF [Iraqi security forces] stepping
to the lead in the Najaf province," said Col. John Tully, commander of the
2nd Brigade Combat Team, U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division. "The turnover of
FOB Duke to the border patrol shows the ISF is strong and able to handle the
security of Najaf."
The Iraq Army and police have already assumed operational control for
the northern Babil province and security of such cities as Al Iskandariyah,
Haswah and Al Khudi. Under the latest move, the Iraqi Border Enforcement
Department was granted responsibility for security along the Iraqi-Saudi
border.
"The turn over of these FOBs and operational areas is a key indicator of
ISF success," Maj. Jeff Avolio, a U.S. Army liaison officer to the Iraqi
security forces, said.
Under the agreement, coalition forces would continue to train Iraqi
security forces on a weekly basis. But the foreign troops would not maintain
a permanent presence in Najaf.
