U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Mark I. Fox, a Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Darryl A. Scott, commanding general of Joint Contracting Command-Iraq/Afghanistan, provided an update on current operations and economic development in Iraq.

“Securing Baghdad is the main effort, and we continue to establish joint security stations and combat outposts in the city and surrounding belts,” said Fox.

Currently, there is a total of 57 joint security stations and outposts in Baghdad, he said.

According to Fox, four out of five U.S. Army brigades are now in Iraq along with two additional U.S. Marine Corps battalions.

“The remainder of the combat forces is scheduled to be operating in their areas by mid-June,” said Fox.

As the security situation in Iraq is expected to be challenging, there are signs of progress made in Fardh Al-Qanoon.

According to Fox, some of the signs of progress included a significant reduction in sectarian murders, increases in the number of weapon stockpiles seized and actionable tips provided by local citizens.

“Improving security can only be achieved by building a loyal, capable and professional Iraqi security force in and around Baghdad,” said Fox. “Only then can the Iraqi people achieve lasting solutions to Iraq’s problems.”

As security improves, Iraqi government officials are expected to take advantage of the opportunity to make progress in economic development.

“We’re putting the Iraqis to work by procuring construction supplies, services and other commodities from local Iraqi contractors,” said Scott. “This helps strengthen the Iraqi economy, enhances the security environment, gives local workers a vested stake in the quality of finish products in their communities and increases local sources for future use.”

To further develop the Iraqi economy, JCC-I/A has made a concerted effort to increase U.S. contracting with Iraqi companies.

“We call it the ‘Iraqi First Program,’” said Scott. “This program promotes economic development, entrepreneurship and improving of individual skills to better the lives of ordinary Iraqis and their families.”

While the Iraqi First Program is currently in its beginning stages, Scott was encouraged with the shift in thinking about reconstruction contracting in Iraq.

“When I meet with Iraqi businessmen, they tell great stories of hope and determination,” he said.  “These men risk everything to contribute to the country they love and to a purpose they believe in.”

As the Iraqi economy picks up, reconstruction efforts are expected to push Iraq forward into complete independence from foreign aid.

“Safeguarding against corruption, executing prudent stewardship, and building a new Iraq is paramount in our support for the war effort back home,” said Scott.

(U.S. Army story by Spc. Carl N. Hudson, Combined Press Information Center)

In other developments throughout Iraq:

• Coalition forces detained 12 suspected terrorists Wednesday during overnight raids targeting al-Qaeda senior leaders and an improvised explosive device network in Baghdad.  

• Iraqi Special Operations Forces conducted an early morning operation in Baghdad May 1, capturing five suspects believed to be involved in building vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and carrying out death squad murders.