Petraeus: Iraq security changes going well

BAGHDAD, July 24 (UPI) -- Army Gen. David Petraeus, the head of U.S. Central Command, said Friday the security duties changeover in Iraq appears to be progressing in a good manner.

The commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Iraq traveled to Baghdad Friday to meet with top military and political officials like the top U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. Raymond Odierno, CNN reported.

Petraeus said all appears to be going well in the transfer of security duties from coalition to Iraqi forces.

According to a Central Command initial assessment, Iraqi security forces are doing a more than adequate job protecting their country, the U.S. Army said.

During his visit to Iraq, Petraeus will conduct an assessment of security in the war-torn country following the withdrawal of U.S. troops from urban Iraqi areas on June 30, CNN reported.

The Central Command chief also reinforced the need to be wary in Iraq regarding the presence of militant groups such as al-Qaida.