Fewer Iraq battalions Operate On Own: U.S. General (dropped from 10 to six over the last two months)

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Source: Reuters

By Kristin Roberts

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Iraqi army battalions that operate independently, with no assistance from U.S. forces, has dropped from 10 to six over the last two months, the top U.S. general said on Friday.

But Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, downplayed the figure's importance, saying the decline was driven by casualties, worn-out equipment and the need to pull units from battle so they can be resupplied.

"The fact that a number may be changing in a very narrow band shouldn't be overly a concern," Pace told reporters.

Pace's comments came a day after the Bush administration issued a report showing Iraqi security forces were unable to fight without substantial support from coalition troops.



Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN1340139120070713