Iraqi troops ‘not ready to defend country’

AN Iraqi general has called into question whether his troops are ready to defend the country against a stubborn insurgency and external threats.

US military leaders, who engaged in a massive troop withdrawal that will see American forces reduced to 50,000 by month’s end from about 150,000 at their peak — say Iraq’s army and police are up to the challenge of militant attacks.

Under the security pact between Baghdad and Washington, all US troops are scheduled to leave by the end of next year.