6/30/2009
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq, (6/30/09) - In accordance with Article 5 of the security agreement between the U.S. and Iraqi governments, Iraqi security forces now have full ownership of security in their cities, towns and villages.
"Beginning today, Iraq is in charge of its own security and we're here to help them, but they are in the driver's seat, and we're in support," said
Army Lt. Col. Tim Donovan, a spokesman for the Wisconsin Army National Guard.
Powell praised the dedication of the Iraqi government and Iraqi security forces and attributed the successful implementation of the security agreement to their actions.
"(They) had a pretty daunting challenge ahead of them about six months ago, when we entered into a security agreement with them and they have risen to that challenge," he said.
Col. Steve Bensend, the commander of Wisconsin's 32nd Brigade Combat Team, said his Soldiers will not be effected by the pullout, because they are performing support and security missions in Iraq.
"We are fairly confident that Iraqi forces have made the correct steps, and we don't anticipate a significant change in that environment," he said.
Powell added that Wisconsin Soldiers still have to live and work in these cities held by Iraqi Security Forces, and "we're rooting for them to be successful."
In accordance with agreement, U.S. forces will withdraw from all Iraqi territory by Dec. 31, 2011.
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