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Monday, November 20, 2006

Iraq Update

By Ken Herman | Monday, November 20, 2006, 02:40 PM

Against the backdrop of mounting, bipartisan criticism of the war in Iraq, the Bush administration continues to offer as-upbeat-as-possible daily reports under the “Iraq Update” heading.

Here are highlights of today’s dispatch:

             General Caldwell Discusses Drop In Violence Following End Of Ramadan

“As Iraqis transition to greater security responsibilities, we remain committed to helping Iraqis both with the sectarian violence and the terror.

We continue to work closely with the Iraqi security forces to achieve both stabilization and security. As expected, violence decreased following the end of Ramadan.

Over the past four weeks, civilian and security force casualties were at the lowest levels since the government was formed in May. However, those who seek to derail the political process in Iraq remain active.” Maj. Gen. William Caldwell, 11/20/06

Violence Is Down Following The End Of Ramadan

Last week did see a spike in coalition and civilian casualties, however:

Over the past four weeks, civilian and security force casualties were at the lowest levels since the Iraqi government was formed in May.

Security force casualties alone decreased by 21 percent over the past four weeks, the lowest level in almost 25 weeks and in Baghdad there was a 22 percent drop in casualties related to sectarian violence and executions.

The Majority Of Sectarian Violence Occurs Within About A 30-Mile Radius Around Baghdad.

Iraqi security forces and coalition forces continue to pursue illegal armed groups in these areas:

Over the last three weeks, a total of 58 missions were conducted against death squads or extrajudicial killing elements that exist. Specifically, 36 of those 58 were within the Baghdad city proper itself, and the majority within the Baghdad province area right around the city.

During these operations, 184 alleged cell members and eight cell leaders were picked up.

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