Marine Corps Major General John Kelly (Photo AFP)In Peaceful Anbar, US Commander Optimistic About Troop Cuts -- AFP
WASHINGTON (AFP) — A top US commander Thursday voiced optimism US troop levels could be cut substantially in western Iraq particularly after provincial elections in the former insurgent stronghold.
Marine Corps Major General John Kelly, who commands the 25,000 US troops in the west, said the tally of security incidents had fallen so low as to be "almost meaningless now."
"So I would say that I'm very optimistic that we could start to reduce numbers," he said.
Kelly said his force was slated to be cut from six to five combat battalions. A fighter squadron has just redeployed and other smaller units also are due to go home, he said.
His marines turned over control of the western province of al-Anbar to Iraqis in September, and are in the process of moving to bases away from its cities.
About 28,000 police and another 8,000 Iraqi army troops have largely taken over from them, although marines continue to train them, he said.
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My Comment: Another report on what is an incredible success story.