BAGHDAD -- At the peak of the conflict in Iraq, the United States military had more than 150,000 troops deployed throughout the country. Since the start of Operation New Dawn, Sept. 1, 2010, U.S. forces have successfully transitioned 50 bases to Iraqi control, and are continuing to drawdown the number of troops present in the country.
“Our two countries signed a bi-lateral security agreement in 2008,” said the United States Forces—Iraq spokesman, Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, in a recent interview with C-Span. “A requirement of that was that our forces transition completely to a civilian authority by the end of this year. We are completely on track to do just that.”
In keeping with the agreement, roughly 700 Soldiers from the Texas National Guard’s 36th Infantry Division, which has been in command of all operations in southern Iraq, are heading home this week. The 36th Infantry Division transferred its authority to the Hawaii-based 25th Infantry Division, which is slated to be the last division in Iraq.
“The responsibility for coordinating our reposture efforts in the south will fall upon the broad and capable shoulders of the United States Division – Center, led by the 25th Infantry Division,” said Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander, United States Forces-Iraq, in his speech at the transfer of authority ceremony, Sept. 7. “Based on their outstanding performance in Baghdad and in Anbar, I know they are up to this monumental task.”
Since President Obama officially announced the end of combat operations last year, U.S. troops in Iraq have been operating as advise and assist teams. Buchanan says USF-I will continue its efforts assisting Iraqi security forces.
“Right now, we have tasks that we are undertaking as part of stability operations,” said Buchanan. “We are here to advise, train, assist and equip security forces.”
In an effort to provide U.S. forces with the vital administrative support needed to complete Operation New Dawn and withdraw troops from Iraq, USF-I has extended the deployment cycle for the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion of the 25th Infantry Division.
The approximate 720 soldiers will remain in Iraq an additional 31 days, which still allows U.S. Forces to be out of Iraq by the end of 2011. “We’re continuing the joint civilian-military operation, but with a different balance,” said the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, James Jeffrey, in an interview at the transfer-of-authority ceremony.
“The 25th Infantry Division will be continuing the military missions until the end of the year. Then we’ll be remaining here and we’ll be continuing our support for the security forces through police training and through support for the [Office of Security Cooperation in Iraq] mission, to arm and equip the Iraqi military,” said Jeffrey regarding the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Consulates in Iraq.
U.S. officials say the plan to withdraw military forces in Iraq is still underway as scheduled. The Government of Iraq has made no formal request for U.S. Forces to remain beyond the Security Agreement, which expires Dec. 31.
| Date Taken: | 09.09.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.09.2011 11:57 |
| Story ID: | 76753 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 323 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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