An American general states that a new Iraqi security force is being formed to take control of security in Fallujah, which has been the scene of many recent battles between insurgents and American forces. Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt told reporters in Baghdad on Friday that the new force will consist of over 1,100 personnel, many of whom served in Saddam Hussein's army. He stated that the security force will be integrated with the Marines, who currently have Fallujah surrounded. According to General Kimmitt, the Marines will not leave Fallujah; they have only handed over some outposts to the new force members. He mentioned that Jassim Mohammed Saleh, the proposed commander of the force, has been carefully selected. General Saleh was a senior officer in Saddam Hussein's Republican Guard. Residents of Fallujah cheered and expressed their emotions as he passed through the city center on Friday. Meanwhile, General Kimmitt reported that on Friday, two U.S. Marines were killed and six others injured in a bomb explosion in the outskirts of Fallujah.
Formation of a New Force in Iraq to Control Security in Fallujah - 2004-04-30
A new Iraqi security force is being established to manage security in Fallujah, consisting of over 1,100 personnel, many former members of Saddam Hussein's army. This move comes amid ongoing violence in the region, with U.S. Marines still surrounding the city. The situation is significant as it reflects the complexities of post-Saddam Iraq and the involvement of former regime members in new security efforts.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
A new Iraqi security force is being formed to manage security in Fallujah, consisting mainly of former members of Saddam Hussein's army. This development occurs amid ongoing violence and U.S. military presence in the area.
- The new force will have over 1,100 personnel.
- U.S. Marines are still surrounding Fallujah and have handed over some outposts to the new force.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Following the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, the country faced significant instability and violence, leading to the rise of insurgent groups. The involvement of former military personnel in new security forces raises concerns about loyalty and effectiveness.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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