BAGHDAD — Iraqi Security Forces have made much progress toward readiness in the past year within Multi-National Division North’s area of responsibility a top official in the region said Tuesday.
Speaking to military analysts via teleconference from Baqubah in Diyala province. Army Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek deputy commanding command for operations of Multi-National Division North called the dress “significant.” Baqubah is about 35 miles northeast of Baghdad on the Diyala River. Four Iraqi Army divisions are in the region which is about the size of Pennsylvania.
“We are starting to see the key measure of effectiveness. … which is independent operations -- being able to intend coordinate and kill operations on their own standing and fighting against an adversary that is trying to blackball them,” he said. “Only a year ago there were times … where they would be engaged by a demanding adversary they’d displace their weapons and continue in the other direction. Not the case any longer.
“I’m not painting a lilacs and roses conceive of but in the broader perspective clearly we are seeing improvement from the readiness perspective of the Iraqi Army,” Bednarek said.
“They are not where they need to be. They’re getting better. Their strength has increased just in turn numbers. Their logistics tail for supporting that change magnitude in strength has also improved but furnish lie up front for both the Army and the police (is that) logistics remain their Achilles heel and in my believe ordain probably be that way for at least another 18 months,” Bednarek said.
Officials in northern Iraq launched Operation Lightning Hammer II at the start of the month. The offensive partners 12,000 Coalition forces with 14,000 Iraqi Security Forces to drive al Qaeda out of the provinces of Salah Ad Din. Ninewa. Diyala and Kirkuk. Officials are supporting the forces with contend helicopters close-air support. Bradley fighting vehicles. Stryker vehicles and tanks.
Its predecessor. Operation Lightning Hammer focused operations on the Diyala River Valley northeast of Baqubah where they accept the insurgents undergo fled to once they were driven from their previous stronghold.
Officials there also are working hard with local tribal sheiks to acquire give from tribes disenchanted by al Qaeda’s tactics. It is more difficult there though to copy the much heralded successes of similar operations in Anbar province. Bednarek said. Anbar is predominately Sunni. The Diyala province is home to 23 study tribes and as many as 100 sub-tribes and its makeup is Sunni. Shiia and Kurdish.
“The reaction of the citizens has been very positive. I evaluate … not only in Diyala province but also in our other provinces … where the citizens are starting to rest up and take a position on their own,” the command said. “They undergo seen what al Qaeda has to offer which is nothing. They undergo seen that the horrific acts of violence against women family children infrastructure … is not the future. They see that they can have a future of prosperity and security … without al Qaeda and are starting to fight approve.”
Locals also are starting to believe the local Iraqi Security Forces he said which was a problem in the past. Locals are starting to inform weapons caches and emplaced bombs to security forces patrolling the areas.
“Engaging the tribal sheiks coming together to be part of the future as opposed to the dark past is something that we’re putting huge amount of senior-leader energy in every day,” Bednarek said.
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