Iraqi Army takes over in Salah Eddin province

BAGHDAD — The United States has relayed responsibility to an Iraq Army brigade for operations in the Salah Eddin province. The province contains vital industries as well as strongholds of Al Qaida and the former Saddam Hussein regime.

On April 1, the 1st Brigade, 4th Iraq Army Division began the first phase of assuming responsibility for security operations in Salah Eddin. The Iraqi brigade has been partnered with the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Middle East Newsline reported.

"Yesterday, coalition Forces were responsible for conducting all the operations in partnership with the Iraqi forces," U.S. Army Maj. Robert Bertrand, 3rd BCT military transition team leader, said. "Today, the Iraqi forces are in the lead." Read on...