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The Iraqi Surge
While American troop increases are well-known, Iraqi Security Forces have surged their troop numbers as well.
Brig. Gen. John F. Campbell stated today that one of the biggest changes that has taken place since March is the surge of the Iraqi forces.
“The biggest change since we arrived in Baghdad has been the establishment of the Baghdad Operations Command March 1st,†said Brig. Gen. John F. Campbell, the deputy commanding general for maneuver for MND-B and the 1st Cavalry Division. “That command, under Lt. Gen. Abud, and the subordinate Karkh and Rusafa area commands, has given the Iraqis increased command and control of their own forces. It has enabled them establish a planning process and will help them take the lead in the command and control of division-level operations.â€
Campbell called this period of the operation a critical time, as American forces are now in place throughout the country, working side-by-side with their Iraqi counterparts. While a lot of attention has been given to “surge†of American forces, Campbell said nine additional Iraqi Army battalions were also brought into Baghdad as part of Operation Fardh Al-Qanoon.
Campbell noted that nearly 400 separate company-level or higher operations have been conducted with Iraqi Security Forces since the FAQ began in mid-February, with more than 740 weapons caches uncovered through those operations.
The Iraqis, both civilian and military, are now fighting for their own country. Why would we abandon people who so desparately want freedom?
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