Iraq security improving, top official says

BAGHDAD, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- A top U.S. commander in Iraq says gradual improvements to the Iraq security forces have resulted in 28 straight weeks of declines in attacks.

Army Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, commander of Multi-National Corps-Iraq, says a series of positive trends including increased civilian cooperation and declines in military and civilian casualties are a result of falling violence levels in Iraq. Odierno say the causality figures are currently down to levels not seen since 2004, Multi-National Corp-Iraq reported.

Odierno also says Iraqi security forces have increased their strength by 110,000 soldiers and police through 2007.

"They still have some work to do, but they are fighting," Odierno said in a statement. "The national police have made progress in their leadership, and we are encouraged by that. The Iraqi police are making progress at a bit slower pace."

Despite the sunny picture, Odierno says sectarianism remains a problem for Iraqi security forces.

"It is at a much lower level in the army and higher with police," Odierno said. "The sectarianism in the national police has dropped, but (the force) still has a long way to go."