Gates: Iraqi security forces make strides

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- The Iraqi military played a critical and visible role in the new security environment in the country, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday.

Speaking on the one-year anniversary since U.S. President George Bush announced the military surge, Gates said security gains have been notable.

Gates spoke at a joint press conference at the Pentagon with Iraqi Minister of Defense Abd al-Qadir al-Mufriji. The two discussed laying a foundation for a long-term security relationship.

"Over the past year, Iraqi security forces have grown in capability, confidence and size, expanding by more than 100,000," Gates said. "Iraq has assumed security responsibility for nine of the 18 provinces in the country, and we expect this transfer to continue."

The number of improvised-explosive-device bombings has been cut in half, he said.

"High-profile attacks -- car bombs and suicide attacks -- are down 60 percent since March, and civilian deaths are down 75 percent from a year ago, though (they are) still far too high," Gates said.

Mufriji, through an interpreter, said most of Iraq is safe and secure, highlighting the strides Iraqi security forces have made.

"The situation is not any different than any country in the world," he said.