U.S. hands over command of Iraqi unit

FALLUJAH, Iraq, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. military officials announced the handover of the 7th Iraqi Army Division command to the Iraqi government.

In a ceremony at Camp Blue Diamond in Ramadi, Iraq, Marine Maj. Gen. W.E. Gaskin, commander of Multinational Force West, relinquished operational control of the 7th Iraqi Army Division to Iraqi Ground Forces Command.

"You have courageously taken the fight to the enemy in some of the most dangerous portions of al Anbar," Gaskin said in a statement. "Because of your superb war fighting skills, the 7th division has successfully reduced violence from Ramadi to the Haditha triad, from Anah to al Qaim, and to the westernmost borders of al Anbar province. You have put al-Qaida on the run. You have helped make this possible, because you are the brave sons of al Anbar."

The 7th Iraqi Army Division is comprised of three brigades and is responsible for security along the western Euphrates River Valley. The division is partnered with Regimental Combat Team 2 and 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team for conducting counterinsurgency operations.

"We, the Marines and soldiers of MNF West will continue to share the battlefield with you here in Anbar province and will stand with you shoulder-to-shoulder as brothers to eliminate the insurgency from your home," Gaskin said.

"You have proven yourselves time and time again in this challenge, this struggle for the future of al Anbar, for all of Iraq. We will succeed in this battle against terrorists because we will do it together."