Primary Focus is “Sons of Iraq”

Since the transition to Iraqi control in the Anbar Province three weeks ago, they have been maintaining a low level of violence, said Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander of the Multinational Corps-Iraq, during a live briefing from Iraq to the Pentagon. The United States and Iraqis remain focused on their goals of providing security for the Iraqi people and standing against Sunni and Shiite extremists.

A recently discovered cache of over four hundred pounds of C4 explosive and also penetrator components, are one of several taken that have been taken off the battlefield. The improving Iraqi security forces, Austin said, are getting more and more proficient, but they are not yet ready to take over. There needs to be more focus on their police force, which is not improving as much as their military.

A primary focus area is on the Sons of Iraq program, which “significantly contributed” to the success of the low levels of violence, and now the goal is a successful transition by the Iraqi government by creating full employment possibilities for the SOI. Beginning in October, the Iraqi government will begin paying their salaries, and the plan is that meaningful jobs will be created for them. Austin said he is confident it will go well, and the United States military intends to continue to watch and assist them. He said he is optimistic about the future.