The air force played a major role in the Iraqi military and police operation in Basra in late March, Middle East Newsline reported. Officials said the air force, with eight rotary and fixed-wing flying units, also conducted reconnaissance and other missions during operations in Mosul and Baghdad's Sadr City in May.

The most active Iraq Air Force unit has been that of the CH-2000 light reconnaissance aircraft. The air force unit in Basra conducted more than 518 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and 700 training sorties.

"This year, they have taken the reins in operations," Penny said. "They're working very hard, and their efforts are working to dissolve terrorist cells in Iraq."

Officials expect the air force to significantly expand in 2008. They said more than 200 cadets were studying in the Air Force Training College at Taji Air Base.

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