Iraqi, Coalition Forces Prepare for Expected Ramadan Violence
20 September 2006
Insurgents, terrorists step up attacks during holy month, says U.S. general
Washington – Iraqi army and national police units, supported by their coalition allies, have conducted more than 600 security operations in the past two weeks as part of an effort to disrupt plans by enemies of the new Iraq to launch attacks against civilians during the upcoming observance of the Muslim holy month Ramadan.
“Historically, Ramadan has been a period of increased violence,” Multinational Forces – Iraq spokesman Army Major General William Caldwell told reporters in a September 20 press briefing in Baghdad, Iraq. “Iraqi security forces, with coalition forces in support, have plans to address this concern.”
Currently, he reported, Iraqi and coalition forces are engaged in 10 separate operations to root out the three leading threats to Iraqi democracy: insurgents, foreign terrorist cells and groups perpetrating sectarian violence in the country’s northern and western provinces, as well as in the capital.
Other units, he added, are engaged in humanitarian aid and civil affairs projects to help local Iraqi citizens rebuild and improve their communities. (See related article.)
Caldwell said that the number of attacks linked to al-Qaida in Iraq have increased, especially in Baghdad, but also in al-Anbar, Salah ad-Din, and Diyala provinces. Because Iraqi civilians are the terrorists’ preferred victims, finding and neutralizing these foreign fighters remains a top priority, said Caldwell.
Since January, he reported, Iraqi and coalition forces have detained more than 630 terrorists from more than 25 countries. (See related article.)
“Operation Together Forward,” the Iraqi- led effort to secure Baghdad’s most violent neighborhoods continues, Caldwell said. To date, forces have searched more than 70,000 buildings in the communities of Doura, Ameriyah, Ghazaliyah, East Mansour, Adhamiyah, Risalah, Khadra, Shaab and Jihad.
Iraqi and coalition units have detained approximately 100 individuals with suspected links to illegal activities, seized more than 1,400 weapons; and worked with local leaders to identify and fund trash removal and other public works projects. (See related article.)
But outside the neighborhoods where “Operation Together Forward” is active, Caldwell said, sectarian violence continues, as seen in an increase of killings across the Iraqi capital. Caldwell said that although public perceptions of security are improving, many Iraqi citizens still do not feel safe traveling outside their neighborhoods. (See related article.)
“Iraqi security forces and coalition forces will remain vigilant and adjust our tactics as necessary,” Caldwell said, highlighting a recent successful operation in Baghdad that captured 32 members of a sectarian “death squad,” including its leader.
Beyond ongoing security challenges, Caldwell reported that the Iraqi government continues to make progress. On September 20, local authorities will assume provisional responsibility for security in the southern province of Dhi Qar, joining its neighbor, Muthana, in being under full Iraqi control. (See related article.)
In Iraq’s restive al-Anbar province, Caldwell reported that Sunni tribal leaders recently met to discuss cooperation with the Iraqi government to stop the insurgents and terrorist groups that have made the level of violence in their region second only to that in Baghdad. (See related article.)
These and other positive developments, he said, show that “Iraqi leaders are making strides and are just addressing the challenges facing this nation. … Coalition forces will continue to support them during this difficult transition.” (See related article.)
IRAQ TAKES COMMAND OF ANOTHER ARMY DIVISION
In another indication of Iraq’s increasing self-sufficiency, its ground forces command took full operational control of the second of its 10 army divisions during the week of September 17. (See related article.)
In a September 18 press briefing for Iraqi media in Baghdad, Caldwell congratulated Iraqi officials for assuming control of their 4th Division, which has been responsible for maintaining security in northern Iraq’s Salah ad-Din province since August 8. (See related article.)
In a September 7 ceremony in the Iraqi capital, coalition commander Army General William Casey and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Kamal al-Malikisigned an agreement initiating the full transition of Iraq’s military from joint command under Multinational Corps – Iraq to a total Iraqi chain of command. (See related article.)
“Every day we see the Iraqi security forces taking the lead to defeat the insurgency, to quell ethno-sectarian violence, and to ensure a safe and stable and secure life for the Iraqi people,” Caldwell said. “They have made tremendous strides in the equipment, the combat readiness, the leadership and confidence within the Iraqi security forces.”
The general added that as Iraqi security forces take on more responsibility for security in their country, coalition forces increasingly will move into supporting roles, providing training and other support as necessary.
Transcripts of Caldwell’s September 20 and September 18 briefings are available from the Multi-National Force – Iraq Web site.
For more information, see Iraq Update.
(The Washington File is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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