Iraqi-American troops gear up for battle of Baghdad
Iraqi-American troops gear up for battle of Baghdad
Baghdad, 15 December 2006 (Gulf News)
A total of 250,000 Iraqi and American troops are expected to be deployed in Baghdad to ensure security.
Hadi Al Amiri, Chairman of the Security and Defence Committee at the Iraqi Parliament, said they would take up positions across Baghdad.
The move comes in line with the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group's report, also known as the Baker-Hamilton report, which was released recently. Al Amiri told Gulf News that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki is determined to win "Baghdad's battle", considering it a decisive one to improve the security situation.
"The battle is agreed upon within the Political Council for National Security, which comprises the leaders of political blocs, including the Sunni Accordance Front," Al Amiri said.
All political leaders have now agreed to activate the role of the Iraqi army and police to help achieve security and put an end to the uncontrolled presence of armed militias, he said.
Earlier, political groups were divided over sending Iraqi forces to attack gunmen inside residential areas because the move was viewed as a sectarian act, Al Amiri said.
Babakeer Zebari, the Iraqi army Chief of Staff, said: "Baghdad will be the centre of a comprehensive and firm plan to rid the city of all gunmen."
According to Major General Hussain Ali Kmal, Head of the Intelligence Department at the Interior Ministry, there are between 7,000 and 9,000 armed elements from Al Qaida and the former regime.
Due to the new security plan, Baghdad is likely to see long days of curfew and raid operations. Gunmen were seen putting up barricades in preparation for what seems to be battles with the troops.
Iraqi-American troops gear up for battle of Baghdad | Iraq Updates
Just a thought!
We don't know officialy if this HCL is done, we expect it!
OSW stated it that it is in place or will be enacted this Sunday (perhaps).
We have read the statement about "returning to normal circulation" and the "official exchange rate" and many others that pointed to years end (which almost is).
I also think HCL is a key to the RV. ICI is or will be done around now.
They are gearing up 250,000 troops with days of curfew.
Wouldn't it be perfect to RV during these curfews days!
They improve the security with all the troops and at the same time they are tackling their real problems which also a cause of all the violence.
It's just a thought but it could make sense!