Wilson Highlights Progress of Iraqi Security Forces

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Emily Lawrimore
202-225-2452 (W)
202-468-3258 (C)

June 13, 2006

Wilson Highlights Progress of Iraqi Security Forces

As Members of the U.S. House of Representatives prepare to debate a resolution regarding the Global War on Terror, Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), Co-Chair of the Victory in Iraq Caucus, highlighted the increasing warfighting capacity of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF):

“In three years, U.S. and Coalition troops have transformed hundreds of thousands of courageous Iraqi volunteers into over 263,400 battle-tested troops of the Iraqi Security Forces. Today, the Iraqi Army now controls 30,000 square miles of territory, an area roughly the size of my home state of South Carolina. Nearly two-thirds of combat operations are now conducted by Iraqis alone or jointly with Coalition forces.

“Day by day, Iraqis are defeating terrorists and gaining control over their country. Last week, the world witnessed an extraordinary sign of success after Iraqi troops and U.S. Forces successfully targeted and killed Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, the most-wanted terrorist in Iraq. As Iraqi Security Forces continue to improve their ability to secure their country, they will play an even larger role in stopping terrorists who seek to destroy the lives of families in both Iraq and the United States.

“Progress in Iraq is helping to ensure security in America, and we must remain committed to completing this critical mission.”

Iraqi Security Forces Gain Ground
(Source: “Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq”)

ò There are more than 263,400 trained and equipped Iraqi Security Forces.
ò The Army is now at 86% of its authorized end strength.
ò There are 111 Iraqi Army and Special Operations battalions are conducting counter-insurgency operations.
ò 71 of those battalions are in the lead.
ò 57 Iraqi Army battalions now control their own battle space.
ò The Iraqi Army controls 30,000 square miles of territory, an area roughly the size of South Carolina (approx 32,000 sq. miles).
ò In April, 64% of combat operations were ISF or combined ISF / CF operations. (1518 ISF or ISF / CF operations at the company level or above). Only 36% of operations were independent of Iraqi forces.
ò All 28 Iraqi National Police units are in the fight, 12 of them are in the lead.
ò The ISF have the lead in 60% of Baghdad.
ò The Ministries of Defense and Interior are on track to complete the initial training and equipping of 100% of their end strength by the end of the year.

###