US military returns control of Anbar to Iraqis

THE US military handed over control of the once brutally violent Anbar province to Iraqi forces yesterday, marking a major milestone in America’s plan eventually to send its troops home.

But American officials warned that the struggle against al-Qaida in Iraq and other insurgents was not over in the western region that was the scene of some of the bloodiest battles since the 2003 invasion.

“This war is not quite over, but it’s being won and primarily by the people of Anbar. Al-Qaida has not been entirely defeated in Anbar, but their end is near and they know it,” said Marine Maj Gen John Kelly, top American commander in Anbar, during the handover ceremony.