Menu
20/10/2003
US rubbishes reports of Iraq troop withdrawals
The head of the US armed forces has rubbished reports that it is to withdraw troops from Iraq, saying that there will be a pragmatic approach to all deployments.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen Richard Myers, said that the decision on how many US troops will be needed in Iraq will be "event driven". Reports of a Whitehouse plan to cut US troop levels in Iraq to 50,000 by the middle of 2005 were "not true", he said.
The chairman said that US Central Command chief, Gen John Abizaid, was responsible for "planning and recommending troop levels" along with the Coalition Provisional Authority.
"We're going to be event driven," he said. "The events on the ground will define how many forces we have there at any given time."
One goal, the joint chiefs chairman said was to train and equip more Iraqi forces. More than 70,000 Iraqis now are involved with the police, the border guards, the infrastructure protection force, the new Iraqi army and the Civil Defence Force.
These forces are taking over much of the security work that needs to happen in a country of 23 million people, Gen Myers said.
The Coalition will now look to accelerate the training the Iraqis receive so more trained security forces can take over the mission faster, he added.
There are 23,000 international soldiers in two multinational divisions deployed in Iraq.
(gmcg)
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen Richard Myers, said that the decision on how many US troops will be needed in Iraq will be "event driven". Reports of a Whitehouse plan to cut US troop levels in Iraq to 50,000 by the middle of 2005 were "not true", he said.
The chairman said that US Central Command chief, Gen John Abizaid, was responsible for "planning and recommending troop levels" along with the Coalition Provisional Authority.
"We're going to be event driven," he said. "The events on the ground will define how many forces we have there at any given time."
One goal, the joint chiefs chairman said was to train and equip more Iraqi forces. More than 70,000 Iraqis now are involved with the police, the border guards, the infrastructure protection force, the new Iraqi army and the Civil Defence Force.
These forces are taking over much of the security work that needs to happen in a country of 23 million people, Gen Myers said.
The Coalition will now look to accelerate the training the Iraqis receive so more trained security forces can take over the mission faster, he added.
There are 23,000 international soldiers in two multinational divisions deployed in Iraq.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 September 2003
Troop levels in Iraq ‘under review’ says Blair
Prime Minister Tony Blair has stated that troop levels in Iraq are constantly "under review", as a leaked memo - reported to be from Foreign Secretary Jack Straw - has come to light, warning of a “strategic failure” if a further 5,000 further troops are not dispatched to help secure and reconstruct Iraq.
Troop levels in Iraq ‘under review’ says Blair
Prime Minister Tony Blair has stated that troop levels in Iraq are constantly "under review", as a leaked memo - reported to be from Foreign Secretary Jack Straw - has come to light, warning of a “strategic failure” if a further 5,000 further troops are not dispatched to help secure and reconstruct Iraq.
01 April 2008
British Troop Withdrawal From Iraq 'Unlikely'
The Defence Secretary Des Browne is expected to tell the Commons that there are currently no plans to reduce the number of British troops in Iraq. Ambitious plans to decrease the number of soldiers from 4,100 may have been withdrawn, sparked by recent fighting in Basra, the BBC has reported.
British Troop Withdrawal From Iraq 'Unlikely'
The Defence Secretary Des Browne is expected to tell the Commons that there are currently no plans to reduce the number of British troops in Iraq. Ambitious plans to decrease the number of soldiers from 4,100 may have been withdrawn, sparked by recent fighting in Basra, the BBC has reported.
08 April 2004
Hundreds killed as US troops battle with Iraqi militants
More than 35 US soldiers and 450 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in country-wide clashes between rebel militias and Coalition forces since the weekend, according to reports emerging from Iraq today. Around 300 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in Fallujah where US forces have been attempting to regain control of the city.
Hundreds killed as US troops battle with Iraqi militants
More than 35 US soldiers and 450 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in country-wide clashes between rebel militias and Coalition forces since the weekend, according to reports emerging from Iraq today. Around 300 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in Fallujah where US forces have been attempting to regain control of the city.
03 July 2003
US announces $25m bounty on Saddam Hussein
The US is set to announce a $25 million bounty on the head of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein – and $15 million for each of his sons. Initial reports from Reuters indicate that the US offical in charge of Iraq, Paul Bremer, will offer the bottom line bounty: alive or dead, as the US seek information on Saddam, Uday and Qusay's location.
US announces $25m bounty on Saddam Hussein
The US is set to announce a $25 million bounty on the head of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein – and $15 million for each of his sons. Initial reports from Reuters indicate that the US offical in charge of Iraq, Paul Bremer, will offer the bottom line bounty: alive or dead, as the US seek information on Saddam, Uday and Qusay's location.
26 May 2005
Speculation follows naming of Al Qaeda deputy leader
A website statement posted on Tuesday and signed in the name of Islamist militant group Al Qaeda in Iraq has apparently claimed that the terror group have appointed Abu Musab al-Zarqawi as its deputy commander. However, a subsequent statement from a spokesman for the group denied that any replacement has been named.
Speculation follows naming of Al Qaeda deputy leader
A website statement posted on Tuesday and signed in the name of Islamist militant group Al Qaeda in Iraq has apparently claimed that the terror group have appointed Abu Musab al-Zarqawi as its deputy commander. However, a subsequent statement from a spokesman for the group denied that any replacement has been named.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
