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US Hands Anbar Province to Iraqis

Military cedes control of largest region in Iraq

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 1, 2008 6:30 AM CDT

(Newser) – The American military is finally handing over control of Anbar province, once the center of the Sunni insurgency, to Iraqi forces today. Once one of Iraq's most dangerous regions, Anbar was transformed as Sunni militants allied themselves with the US. The transfer of Anbar, delayed several times, brings the number of provinces under Iraqi control to 11 out of 18, reports the BBC.

More than 25% of all American solders killed in Iraq died in Anbar province, the country's largest. While the handover represents a major milestone for security in the country, the American military remains concerned that the area's Sunni tribal leaders may not work together with the central government in Baghdad. US troop levels in Anbar will decline, one commander tells the BBC, though not immediately.

People shop at a market in downtown Fallujah, in Iraq's Anbar province. (AP Photo/Kim Gamel)

Members of a six-party delegation of sheiks from Iraq's Anbar Province leave the White House in Washington following a meeting with President Bush and other administration officials. (AP Photo)

A U.S. marine watches children play in Ramadi, in Iraq's Anbar province, 115 kilometers (70 miles) west of Baghdad. (AP Photo/Todd Pitman)

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US Hands Anbar Province to Iraqis

Military cedes control of largest region in Iraq

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US Hands Anbar Province to Iraqis

Military cedes control of largest region in Iraq

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • Sunni militants • US military • Anbar • Iraq war • Sunni Awakening

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

No Jail Time for Marine in Iraqi Civilian Killings

Judge recommends Frank Wuterich rank be reduced to private

Iraq Seeks Return of Saddam's Bronze Butt

British soldier's cheeky keepsake is 'cultural property,' Iraq says

With US Gone, Iraq Explodes

Violence rampant thanks to political crisis

Wave of Bombings Targets Iraq's Shiites, Killing 72

Heightens fears that attacks will increase now that US has withdrawn

One US Army Reservist Still Missing in Iraq

Iraqi-born Ahmed Kousay Altaie reportedly kidnapped in 2006

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Newser By Users

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