Iraq regains sovereignty over own troops but security still major concern
Azzaman, September 2, 2006
U.S. troops have passed the command of the Iraqi army to the government in a move many here see as prelude to the departure of foreign troops or at least a curtailment of their combat activities.
The Ministry of Defense was formally notified by the U.S. of the transfer of authority.
In a statement faxed to the newspaper, the ministry said as of Saturday, September 2, the government will be solely responsible for all combat operations Iraqi troops carry out.
“The Iraqi Defense Ministry will assume as of Saturday the responsibility of commanding Iraqi armed forces as an important step towards self-reliance,” the statement said.
It said the government would be “directly in charge of the land troops, air force and navy.”
But the transfer may rather complicate than solve security matters in the country.
Practically, Iraq has no air force. The army lacks combat planes, helicopter gun ships and even military transport aircraft. The navy is non-existent.
Iraq’s bulk force includes several land divisions most of them poorly armed and trained.
The U.S. has stalled on Iraqi government’s repeated demands to purchase modern weapons for the troops.
With no artillery or armor and in the absence of air cover, the troops are said to be outgunned by rebels in restive regions like Anbar, Mosul and Diyala.
There are also fears that the army, already divided along sectarian lines, may get involved in the current sectarian strife.
Many Muslim Sunnis, who make up the core of the insurgency, have frequently complained of army units taking sides in the fight.
Read the rest at Azzaman
U.S. troops have passed the command of the Iraqi army to the government in a move many here see as prelude to the departure of foreign troops or at least a curtailment of their combat activities.
The Ministry of Defense was formally notified by the U.S. of the transfer of authority.
In a statement faxed to the newspaper, the ministry said as of Saturday, September 2, the government will be solely responsible for all combat operations Iraqi troops carry out.
“The Iraqi Defense Ministry will assume as of Saturday the responsibility of commanding Iraqi armed forces as an important step towards self-reliance,” the statement said.
It said the government would be “directly in charge of the land troops, air force and navy.”
But the transfer may rather complicate than solve security matters in the country.
Practically, Iraq has no air force. The army lacks combat planes, helicopter gun ships and even military transport aircraft. The navy is non-existent.
Iraq’s bulk force includes several land divisions most of them poorly armed and trained.
The U.S. has stalled on Iraqi government’s repeated demands to purchase modern weapons for the troops.
With no artillery or armor and in the absence of air cover, the troops are said to be outgunned by rebels in restive regions like Anbar, Mosul and Diyala.
There are also fears that the army, already divided along sectarian lines, may get involved in the current sectarian strife.
Many Muslim Sunnis, who make up the core of the insurgency, have frequently complained of army units taking sides in the fight.
Read the rest at Azzaman
posted by iraqnam at 12:54 PM
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