Victory in Iraq Caucus Members Applaud Advancement of Iraqi Forces
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2006
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Victory in Iraq Caucus Members Applaud Advancement of Iraqi Forces
The 4th Iraqi Army Division (IAD) today assumed the lead for security operations in its area of responsibility from the 101st Airborne Division.Victory in Iraq Caucus Members made the following statements:
“Just last week, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani announced that Iraqi forces would assume security operations for the entire country by the end of this year.Today, the 4th IAD became the fifth of 10 Iraqi Army units to take on this responsibility.Make no mistake - this transfer is a result of increased capability and proven successes on the part of the Iraqis.”
*The 4th IAD recently led a 10-day operation in which they detained 154 terror suspects and seized a large weapons cache.* (Source: The U.S. Department of Defense)
-- Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), Co-Chair of the Victory in Iraq Caucus
“The development of the Iraqi Security Force is a critical component to stabilizing Iraq’s democratic government, our victory in the region and will lead to further U.S. troop reduction,” said Congressman Bill Shuster, a member of the Armed Services Committee who traveled to the region to visit with troops and hear from our military commanders on the ground.“Assuming control from the 101st Airborne keeps us moving in the right direction toward victory.”
-- Congressman Bill Shuster (PA-09)
“The 101st Airborne Division and the Fort Campbell community, which I represent in Congress, can mark an enormous achievement today. America is grateful for their hard work and dedication to this mission. Each development like this is proof that a transition of security responsibilities is progressing.”
-- Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (TN-07)
“This is an important milestone for a sovereign Iraq.Iraqis need to be responsible for protecting their country, and they are making progress toward achieving security self-reliance.”
-- Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06)
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