Endgame Viable

A step toward the return of U.S. troops. Since last summer, 39 more Iraqi combat battalions have been rated “Level 2,” for a total of 75 battalions. “Level 2 units gather their own intelligence, conduct their own planning and are deemed ‘in the lead’ during combat operations.” Independent Operations and the Iraqi Army. “Over the past month, the Iraqi Army has assumed a greater role over security operations throughout the country.”

36 less terrorists to worry about. On May 13, three terrorists were killed and four captured in Julaybah, and “numerous” weapons caches were destroyed (Task Force 145 Strikes Near Ramadi). On May 14, “more than 25” terrorists were killed and four captured in a coordinated ground and air attack in Yusifiyah (The Battle of Yusifayah). (2 U.S. soldiers also died in the operation when their helicopter was shot down.)