Iraqi forces to take over in 12-18 months: Gen. Casey

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – The top American general in Iraq said
on Wednesday he foresaw Iraqi forces assuming control of the
country’s security within 12 to 18 months with “very little”
support from U.S.-led forces.

General George Casey denied suggestions that a fierce
battle between militiamen and the Iraqi army in the town of
Diwaniya south of Baghdad on Monday, in which 20 soldiers were
killed, was a setback in U.S. efforts to strengthen the new
military.

“The Iraqi armed forces acquitted themselves quite well.
They had losses, but they gave much better than they got,” he
told reporters in Baghdad.

“I don’t have a date, but I can see over the next 12-18
months the Iraqi security forces progressing to a point where
they can take on the security responsibilities for the country,
with very little coalition support,” he said.

The U.S. military said earlier this week that Prime
Minister Nuri al-Maliki would formally take charge of the Iraqi
security forces next month. Casey has operational control of
all Iraqi troops at present.