Officials said the army's growth has led to successes against Al Qaida
cells in central and northern Iraq. They said Al Qaida commanders in
Baghdad, Mosul, Tarmiyah and other areas have been killed or detained in
recent counter-insurgency operations.
"This is placing strains at the top, restricting their freedom to
maneuver, forcing Al Qaida members to constantly be in a survival mode vice
planning their next attack, and has clearly eroded the experience level at
the senior levels of Al Qaida's various networks," U.S. military spokesman
Rear Adm. Gregory Smith said on Tuesday.
At a Nov. 25 briefing, Yarbrough said Iraqi security forces were
becoming stronger and more effective. He said a record number of Iraqis were
being recruited and trained for the military and security forces.
"Progress has not been easy," Yarbrough said. "Innumerable challenges
remain. But each day we see continued improvements. This is a long journey,
but we're moving forward step-by-step with Iraq."
Officials said units were being formed in the Iraq Army, police and
border security department. They said the units were being equipped, trained
and operated with U.S. and other coalition forces.
In mid-November, the Iraq Army's 8th Division participated in Operation
Lion Pounce in Diwaniya, about 180 kilometers south of Baghdad. The division
coordinated with coalition forces and captured 81 insurgents and seized 35
rockets, 124 mortar rounds and rocket-propelled and anti-armor grenades.
Officials said the Iraqi Ground Forces Command now controls 11 army
infantry divisions and one mechanized division with a total of more than
160,000 trained troops. In 2007, the army added 27 battalions and 43,000
soldiers.
The Iraq Army plans to add another division in 2008. Officials said
thousands of recruits were completing training to join the new unit.
"We have a tremendous opportunity to capitalize on this increased
stability and also exploit this momentum if we can achieve politically and
economically what's been achieved in the area of security," Yarbrough said.