The AQI offensive took place in wake of the departure of all U.S. combat
forces from Iraq. The United States has reported that its military presence
contained fewer than 50,000 troops, all of whom were assigned to training,
logistics and administration.
"They want to shake the confidence of the people in the security
forces," Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki said. "They [Iraqi security forces]
are ready to assume the responsibility after U.S. [combat] forces withdraw
at the end of August."
In the Aug. 25 operation, AQI struck at least 25 targets throughout
Iraq, Middle East Newsline reported. More than half of the casualties consisted of Iraqi soldiers and
police officers, with the bloodiest attack reported in the Shi'ite city of
Kut.
Officials said the attacks included suicide bombings as well as
ambushes. The Kut operation, in which about 20 people were killed, was
conducted by a suicide car bomber who penetrated a security barrier near the
city's police station.
"The situation is under control," Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari
said.
But later Zebari acknowledged that the political vacuum in Baghdad,
which has prevented the establishment of a new government nearly six months
after March 2010 elections, has harmed security. He said AQI was trying to
exploit political tension and generate chaos throughout the country.
Iraqi police were again blamed for poor security that allowed AQI
bombings. Still, officials reported the foiling of at least two suicide
strikes in the northern city of Mosul, regarded as a key Al Qaida
stronghold.
Car bombings were also reported in Beji, Dujeil, Faluja, Iskandariya,
Karbala, Kirkuk, Ramadi and Tikrit. Officials said the operation pointed to
a resurgence in AQI's ability to procure weapons, vehicles, suicide
attackers and funds.
Officials acknowledged that Iraqi leaders were concerned over a loss of
control amid the U.S. withdrawal. They did not rule out the prospect that
the Baghdad government would request a delay in the American pullout
schedule.
"According to the agreement, it is the right of the U.S. side to ask for
changes, while, on the other hand, it is the right of the Iraqi side to
discuss and to ask for amendments," Iraqi Vice President Adel Abdul Mahdi
said on Aug. 26.
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