Iraqi troops take control of Green Zone
The move is seen as a major step in the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country. Iraqis will now be in charge of security for the area, which is home to 14,000 U.S. and coalition troops.
Reporting from Baghdad — As Iraqi schoolchildren sang their country's praises and a band played, the United States formally handed over military control of the heavily fortified Green Zone to Iraqi troops today, a first major step in the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq.
For Iraqis, the Green Zone, a walled-off 4-square mile community in Baghdad's core, has come to symbolize the U.S. occupation of their country. Home to about 30,000 residents -- including 14,000 U.S. and coalition forces -- it also encompasses Saddam Hussein's opulent Republican Palace, which was captured by American troops in April 2003 and was, until last month, the site of the U.S. Embassy.
Securing the Green Zone has been, until today, the responsibility of Americans. It has been considered the safest place in Baghdad, with every car checked and every person searched and scanned before being granted entry.
Now, Iraqis trained by U.S. troops are in charge of its security.
"We vow that we will build strong forces that could take the security file in all its details from the multinational forces to be protected by the hand of its own sons' arms," said Iraqi Defense Minister Abdul Qader Obaidi.
Outside the Green Zone, the American military is also deferring to Iraqis. U.S. military officials said troops will only conduct raids alongside the Iraqi army. Arrest warrants will be issued by Iraqi judges, and decisions on detaining individuals will be made by Iraqi commanders. Those held at detention centers will begin being transferred into Iraqi custody, and private security contractors are no longer granted immunity from Iraqi law.
"Here is Iraq taking another step toward the future, signaling to its citizens and the international community it is indeed a new day for sovereign Iraq," U.S. Army Col. Steven Ferrari, commander of the joint area support group, said during today's ceremony.
Still, some Iraqis said they were unaware of the transition, part of the Status of Forces Agreement for the withdrawal of all U.S. troops by the end of 2011.
Mohammad Mehssin, 38, who lives in eastern Baghdad, said, "Until now I have tasted no happiness. I think 2009 will be like the former years."
Kimi.yoshino@latimes.com
Times staff writers Ned Parker and Usama Redha contributed to this report.
