Iraqi security forces ready, minister says

BAGHDAD, July 1 (UPI) -- Iraq witnessed three years of improvement in its security force's capabilities when it took over the country's security duties, Iraq's interior minister said.

Jawad al-Bolani told al-Hurra television Wednesday the transition of control showed good planning and coordination with U.S. military officials leading up to Tuesday's transfer.

"The Iraqi security forces showed their readiness for this responsibility," Bolani said. "Indeed, more than one year ago, the Iraqi security forces were carrying out operations to provide security to most of the areas in Iraq."

Iraqi security forces will put in place national "security plans ... that will take the threats and challenges that Iraq is facing in this stage into consideration," Bolani said.

While Iraqi security forces will be in charge of the security operations, the minister said U.S. forces will provide training and technical support, as well as intelligence cooperation.