Staff Sgt. Ronald Bostic, a Homestead, Fla. native with 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division provost marshal office, prepares documents releasing an Iraqi detainee at Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq, July 18. The detainee signs ...

Staff Sgt. Ronald Bostic, a Homestead, Fla. native with 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division provost marshal office watches a Kirkuk city councilwoman sign documents to take custody of an Iraqi detainee for his return to Iraqi society at For...

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq - The Kirkuk provincial council assumed responsibility for detainees released at Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq, July 18.

In accordance with the Strategic Framework Agreement between the Government of Iraq and United States, detainees held in U.S. facilities continue to be handed over to Iraqi authorities when it is determined by the GoI and U.S Forces they are ready.

"They [the detainees] will be reintegrated into society," said Staff Sgt. Ronald Bostic, the provost marshal noncommissioned officer for 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

The release of detainees was contingent on each detainee's promise to refrain from criminal activities. They were then turned over to Kirkuk provincial council members, who work with several non-governmental organizations that have reintegration programs.

"We want to give [the detainees] jobs and a means of survival," explained Muhammed Khalil Al Nibouri, a member of Kirkuk's city council. "Non-governmental organizations have been working in Kirkuk to establish programs such as vocational schools and civil service jobs to assist them in becoming part of society once again."

If the Government of Iraq has an outstanding warrant on a detainee released by U.S. Forces, that individual can be turned over to the Iraqi Police for further investigations, Bostic said. He added the GoI has a functioning judicial system and the ability to handle detainees on its own.dg

According to the U.S. military, there have been approximately 5,279 detainees released this year, leaving fewer than 10,197 Iraqi detainees in U.S. custody.