U.S. may begin using warrants in Iraq

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Some U.S. troops in Iraq may begin seeking warrants from Iraqi officials as early as Dec. 1, a month before such action may be required, officials said.

U.S. military officials said at least some military units in Baghdad would ask Iraqi legal authorities for warrants before making arrests or searching homes for weapons and other contraband in non-combat situations, The Washington Times reported Friday.

The need for warrants to detain terrorist suspects is included in the "status of forces" agreement signed this week in Baghdad by Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker. The accord, which must be ratified by the Iraqi Parliament, would provide the legal framework for U.S. troop presence in Iraq once the U.N. mandate expires at the end of the year.

U.S. military officials wouldn't confirm or deny the report for the Times.

Discussions on procedures to get the warrants have been held between some U.S. and Iraqi military officials but no guidelines have been issued, the sources said.

U.S. troops currently don't need Iraqi permission to search homes or detain Iraqis. Under the agreement, they would still not need warrants if they are in battle.

"I really don't know how it is going to work out," said U.S. Army Maj. Geoff Greene, executive officer of the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, which operates in east Baghdad. "I don't know how to get them yet," he said of the warrants, adding that he expects to "receive guidance soon."