Ninevah sees security gains, official says

BAGHDAD, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Security has improved in northern Iraq, but not enough to convince provincial governors it's time yet for Iraqi control, a U.S. military leader said.

Iraqi security forces "have made monumental strides" in capabilities and professionalism, Army Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling of the Multinational Division North said during a news conference from Forward Operating Base Speicher in Iraq. The division and Iraqi allies engaged in seven separate fights in Ninevah province, ranging from al-Qaida affiliates to gangs.

Since the operation began in May, "we've seen a sharp decline, not only in attacks but in foreign fighters traversing the western Nineveh deserts," Hertling said. The operation resulted in the death or capture of dozens of mid- and high-level al-Qaida operatives and disrupted the flow of foreign terrorists from Syria, he said.

Mosul, the provincial capital, is recovering from extended combat, but the population "is feeling more secure every day," Hertling said.

In Diyala province, Baqouba also is becoming more secure, and Iraqis have turned against al-Qaida and other extremists.

"The Iraqi police and army are becoming more capable, and the extremists are being pushed into the rural areas because of this," Hertling said.