U.S. releases 11,000 Iraqi prisoners

BAGHDAD, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- U.S. military leaders in Iraq say more than 11,000 prisoners and detainees have been released so far this year.

Their goal is to reach the 12,000 level by mid-September, KUNA, the Kuwait news agency, reported Saturday. The officials say the prisoners, once considered security threats to Iraqi civilians and to U.S.-led coalition troops, have completed their captivity and are free to go about their lives.

The 11,000 releases are more than the 8,900 detainees released in all of 2007, the officials said.

KUNA reported the prisoners were given the opportunity to participate in educational and vocational programs on a voluntary basis.