"MNF-I is consolidating its locations in Iraq to reduce its temporary
basing requirements using a bottom-up conditions-based process to
synchronize basing requirements with coalition forces requirements and the
projected command-and-control structure," the report said. "The timeline for
this process is being adjusted to support the short-term surge for the
Baghdad Security Plan."
"However, MNF-I has already reduced its presence in major cities while
developing the flexibility and maintaining the force level required to
support other elements in Iraq, including coalition partners, Provincial
Reconstruction Teams, Transition Teams, other supporting entities, and the
Department of State," the report said.
The report said coalition forces would be deployed in a minimum number
of strategically-located forward operating bases and convoy support centers.
The Pentagon said the U.S. military has been negotiating with the Iraqi
government for an Iraq Army takeover of the bases being evacuated.
In December 2006, the Iraq Army acquired responsibility for security in
the Najaf province. Najaf was the third of Iraq's 18 provinces designated
for transition to the Iraqi security forces.
A month later, however, Iraqi authorities required U.S. military help to
quell an insurrection in Najaf. The report said Najaf police determined
their inability to fight the insurgents, and, through the National Command
Center, U.S. fighter-jets and helicopters arrived to combat
Iranian-sponsored Shi'ite forces.
In December 2006, the government approved the transfer of security
responsibility for Dahuk, Irbil, and Sulaymaniyah to the Kurdistan Regional
Government. These three provinces as well as three others -- Qadisiyah,
Maysan, and Ninewah -- were expected to be taken over by the Iraqis in the
spring of 2007.
"The remaining provinces are expected to achieve PIC in 2007 except for
Anbar, which is projected to transfer to PIC in early 2008," the report
said.
The report said that over the next few months Iraqi combat units would
be expanded as well as refitted and retrained. The Pentagon said the
initiatives would add more than 60,000 personnel to the Iraqi security
forces during 2007.
At this point, the Interior Ministry would require 32,000 new police
annually to replenish their ranks. The National Police would be expanded to
10 brigades.
The coalition has been funding the training and equipping of 30,000
soldiers to increase combat manpower levels to 110 percent. The Iraqi
government plans to increase the size of the Iraq Army by 24,000 soldiers in
an effort to enhance operational and tactical flexibility. The report said
this would enable the retraining and refitting of battle-weary units.
The U.S. military has completed its goal in training and equipping
188,300 members of the police and security forces, the report said. The
force has been further expanded to 194,800 amid reports of militia influence
and corruption.
"Militia influence affects every component of the MoI [Ministry of
Interior], particularly in Baghdad and several other key cities," the report
said.
