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| Iraq |
| 3,200 new US troops arrive in Baghdad |
| 2007-01-22 |
| About 3,200 new US troops have arrived in Baghdad as part of the new security plan announced by US President George W Bush to stabilise the Iraqi capital, the military said on Sunday. The 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division will be deployed in and around the city of Baghdad, the military said. “The effort represents the first of several planned troop movements that will assist Iraqi security forces in reducing violence and protecting Iraqi citizens,” it said. The brigade will be fully operational within Baghdad on or about February 1, the military added. “Their mission will be to assist Iraqi security forces to clear, control and retain key areas of the capital in order to reduce violence and to set the conditions for a transition to full Iraqi control of security in the city,” the military said. “Soldiers from the 82nd come to us ready to engage in a wide variety of operations, in support of the Iraqi Baghdad Security Plan,” the statement quoted Lieutenant General Ray Odierno, commander of multi-national corps, Iraq as saying. “The brigade adds operational flexibility that will assist in securing the population.” “We are continuing to assist the government of Iraq in building a stronger, more self-reliant Iraq,” Odierno said, adding “securing the population of Baghdad is an imperative in achieving that end.” |
| Posted by:Fred |