Tommy Gunn
02-12-2004, 10:53 PM
Iraqi police and other security forces are assuming more responsibility for security in their country every day, according to the U.S. general in charge of forces in western Iraq. Maj. Gen. Charles Swannack, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, said his troops are working closely with Iraqi police and Civil Defense Corps members. In the first week of February, Iraqi security forces in the Anbar province conducted 87 joint operations with Coalition forces and 109 independent operations, he said. During a Baghdad press conference, the general called this process "Iraqi-ization." Swannack said he hopes Iraqi forces will take over security in the town of Ramadi within 60 days, and that forces in Fallujah and other cities would follow soon. MORE (http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Feb2004/n02112004_200402117.html)