Iraqi Security Forces ‘stepping up to the plate’

Multi-National Forces, Iraq (MNF-I) has an excellent article about Iraqi forces stepping more and more to the forefront of operations and support Iraqi forces are getting from the local populous.

The goal of increasing the Iraqi Security Forces presence in Baghdad and using Coalition Forces primarily as support has provided Iraqi citizens with an opportunity to build their confidence in the Iraqi Army’s military police.

During the combined cordon and search, the Iraqi Army was attacked by small-arms fire but suffered no injuries or damage to personnel or equipment. The operation netted 10 detainees, along with numerous bottles of unknown chemicals. The Iraqi Army also uncovered two notable terrorist cells, one of which involved a militia battalion commander in Baghdad.

"They were very happy to have captured this insurgent, (whom) they called the ‘big fish,’" said Morris. The next location led to another high-valued individual and his six sons.

Iraqi Army and Police are now solidly in the fight to maintain and build democracy in Iraq. Coalition forces are becoming less directly involved and have shifted to indirect involvement and support of Iraqi forces. Iraqi forces and Police are getting great combat experience, are no longer running from fights, and in fact are bringing the fight to the terrorists.

So much has changed in a year. By next year, Iraq should be well on its way to a florishing democracy and a crumbling insurgency.