Multinational Force Iraq Lauds Citizen Groups in Battle Against Al-Qaeda

Key to recent successes against Al-Qaeda in Iraq are thanks largely to an increased vigilance by Concerned Local Citizens Groups and an increase in both professionalism and "heroics" of the Iraqi Army, says the Multi-National Force Iraq Central Command in a press release sent out January 9, 2007. According to Major General Bergner, the CLCs and Iraqi Army make up, "first line of defense in courageously confronting terrorists," citing an incident that occurred Sunday where a suicide bomber was apprehended by three Iraqi soldiers in Karadah, who were later killed by a later detonated grenade in the bomber's vest. In addition to the three Iraqi soldiers, two bystanders were killed in the blast.

"The attack occurred outside a neighborhood advisory council building killing all three soldiers and two civilian bystanders," Maj. Gen. Bergner said in the press release.

He went on to praise both the Sunni Awakening Councils and various citizens who he says are increasing their support for Coalition forces following several attempted and a few successful high profile terrorist attacks against key Sunnis who have joined the fight in driving AQI fighters out of Iraq. In a surprise move, however, he also praised Muqtada al-Sadr, who recently reaffirmed his desire to uphold the ceasefire he declared following the bloody showdown with the Badr Organization, a rival Shi'ite Militia, that killed 50 pilgrims in Karbala.

"We also welcome the recent commitment by al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr calling for the continued compliance with his pledge of honor to halt attacks and outreach from him with other Iraqi leaders to expand the peace," the general said in the press release.