Iraqi Security Forces making progress

By MNFIOctober 13, 2006

Iraqi Security Forces making progress
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

BAGHDAD - The Iraqi Government and Security Forces are making considerable progress, according to a press briefing here Thursday outlining current operations.

The weekly Operational Brief given by Maj. Gen. William Caldwell IV focused specifically on the operational capacity of Iraqi Security Forces, and steps the Iraqi Government is taking to improve the average Iraqi's quality of life.

"The Iraqi Security Forces are proving their mettle every day on the streets in various operations," said Maj. Gen. William Caldwell IV, spokesman for Multi-National Force - Iraq. "The government is persevering steadfastly to bring Iraqis to the table and negotiate grievances with words and not violence."

"Iraqi Security Forces, while fighting the enemy, are also assisting the Iraqi people with critical services all across Iraq, and especially here in the Baghdad area," said Caldwell.

The 1st Brigade of the 6th Iraqi Army Division helped transport and distribute 50 generators to local area schools Oct. 9. The Ghazalia and Shula Neighborhood Advisory Councils coordinated the distribution, and the headmasters from most schools appeared to receive their gifts personally.

Civic functions are running smoothly, but violence remains an important issue, according to Caldwell. He admitted that while total attacks in Baghdad recently increased by approximately 15 percent, operations are proving effective in lowering those numbers in cleared areas.

"The neighborhoods we've cleared and continued to protect [are areas] where attacks have decreased by approximately 11 percent," Caldwell said.

Many Iraqi Government deeds are immediately visible, yet a great deal remain unseen.

"Much of the government's efforts and negotiations are happening behind the scenes creating increased momentum for progress," explained Caldwell.

"The government and security forces are working on many levels to alleviate the issues behind the violence and create the conditions for a better future."

"The Multi-National Force supports these efforts, and we are optimistic that we'll soon see the fruits of this labor."