A U.S. military commander said on Wednesday that the U.S. troops in Iraq would finish security operation by mid 2009, but he also noted need for long-term help to Iraq.
"The ground forces will mostly be done by the middle of next year," Army Lt. Gen. James Dubik said at a hearing of the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, adding that could be between April and August.
Dubik did not estimate when U.S. troops would finish combat operation, only saying that should depend on when the Iraqi government can complete some certain tasks.
The general, who is in charge of training Iraqi security force, said that the Iraqi force has grown from 44,000 to 566,000 since he took command of the Multi-National Security Transition Command in June 2007.
Earlier this year, he estimated that the Iraqi force would takeover all 18 provinces by the end of 2008.
On the Wednesday hearing, he said, however, the fast-growing force is still inadequate in experienced leaders and ability to train new recruits.
"Progress doesn't result in no problems, it results in new problems," he told lawmakers.
Dubik also said that Iraq would still need help from the United States in a long time, but he did not say how long.
"Our assistance may change in organization and size, to be sure. But some form of partnership and assistance, consistent with our two nation's strategic objectives, in my opinion, is still necessary," he added.
The general provided the testimony when the U.S. presence in Iraq became a central issue after Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki publicly demanded U.S. withdrawal timetable, which was rejected by U.S. military.
Source:Xinhua
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