Posted on 03/09/2009 4:34:40 PM PDT by SandRat
BAGHDAD — Multi-National Force - Iraq announced yesterday that two Brigade Combat Teams, who are scheduled to redeploy in the next 6 months, along with associated enabling forces such as logistics, engineers, and intelligence, will not be replaced. Additionally, an F-16 squadron recently redeployed and will not be replaced.
This drawdown of forces from Iraq will reduce the total number of U.S. Brigade Combat Teams from 14 to 12. Additionally, a British Combat Brigade will also redeploy without replacement.
The reduction is possible due to the increased level of security and stability that Iraq has achieved over the last 12 months, the growth in capability and capacity of the Iraqi Security Forces, and the transition from counterinsurgency to stability operations throughout most of Iraq.
Gen. Ray Odierno, commanding general, Multi-National Force - Iraq, made the recommendations to reduce these forces within the next 6 months. When complete, approximately 12,000 fewer U.S. and 4,000 fewer British forces will be in Iraq.
This is a significant step in the implementation of the Security Agreement between Iraq and the United States that took effect Jan. 1, 2009, and President Obama’s recent announcement concerning the responsible drawdown of U.S. combat forces in Iraq.
"The time and conditions are right for Coalition forces to reduce the number of troops in Iraq," Odierno said. "The successful provincial elections demonstrated the increased capability of the Iraqi Army and Police to provide security. In the coming months, Iraqis will see the number of U.S. forces go down in the cities while more and more Iraqi flags will go up at formerly shared security stations."
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