Iraqi army pass out of US control
Nouri al-Maliki has assumed greater control of the military previously led by the US Commander in Chief
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Thursday, 07, Sep 2006 08:16
Coalition forces in Iraq have begun the process of handing control of the Iraqi army to the domestic government.
As the navy, air force and 8th division of the army came under his leadership, Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki heralded the next stage in returning his country to an autonomous state.
"This is a great step and a great day in Iraqi history," he said
"The new Iraqi army is being built by the courage of its sons who will dedicate their lives to protect their citizenry, and today the new Iraqi army has been rebuilt on values other than sectarianism."
US commanders leading the coalition that still runs most of the security operations in Iraq also welcomed the transfer of the forces.
"It marks a milestone in the relentless journey of Iraqi forces. It's a story of courage, perseverance and commitment to the values of Iraq," said General George Casey.
Nine more divisions of the US-trained troops are set to pass into Iraqi government control in the coming months as Washington seeks to withdraw some of its 140,000 military personnel stationed in the country.
The difficult task that the Iraqi troops face was emphasised by a fresh spate of suicide attacks in the capital.
Insurgents killed 14 people in five explosions across Baghdad as tensions between Sunni and Shia communities in Iraq remain dangerously high.