Responsibility For Security In An Najaf Province Transferred To Iraqis

Third Iraqi Province Handed Over This Year

The goal of U.S. security strategy in Iraq is to develop the Iraqis’ capacity to secure their country while carrying out a campaign to defeat the terrorists and neutralize the insurgency.    

1. Coalition Forces Continue To Transfer Responsibility For Security In Provinces To Iraqis. On December 20, responsibility for maintaining the security of An Najaf Province in southern Iraq was officially transferred to Iraqi authorities.  It is the third (of eighteen) Iraqi provinces where security control is now principally in the hands of Iraqis, with Coalition forces standing ready to provide assistance if needed.  Iraqi authorities assumed responsibility for security in Al Muthanna Province on July 14, 2006, and Dhi Qar Province on September 21, 2006.  (See included maps).  Several other provinces are close to meeting the criteria necessary for security independence.



2. Iraqi Forces Are Increasingly In The Lead. In June 2004, no Iraqi Army units were in the lead, capable of coordinating, planning and executing security operations independent of coalition forces in their own areas of responsibility.  By September 2005, eleven Iraqi battalions participated in Operation Restoring Rights in Tal Afar, controlling their own battle space, and outnumbering Coalition forces for the first time in a major offensive operation.  As of December 2006, 92 Iraqi Army battalions were in the lead in more than half of Iraq’s territory, with Coalition forces providing assistance in certain key roles such as logistical support.  As shown in the included maps, the growth of the Iraqi Army in 2006 has been significant.



3. Iraqi Forces Continue To Grow In Number.  In September 2004, there were only 96,000 trained and equipped Iraqi Security Forces.  By November 2005, there were more than 212,000.  As of December 2006 there are approximately 323,000 trained and equipped Iraqi Security Forces. 

The Selection Of A Province For Transfer
To Iraqi Control Is Based On Four Criteria:

Threat Level: U.S. and Iraqi commands examine the threats to the security of a province.  If Iraqi Provincial authorities can ensure security and domestic order through the normal use of local police, the province is ready for transfer.     

Iraqi Security Forces: The Iraqi Security Forces in the province are studied to determine if their training, equipment and capability are capable of protecting Iraqi citizens.

Governance: The governor must be capable of overseeing security operations.  A Joint Operations Room must be capable of coordinating activities.  An Iraqi Ministry of Defense and Iraqi Ministry of the Interior intelligence structure must support the Iraqi Police.