But as time passed, resistance forces grew stronger. Violence spread among Iraq's many Shi’ite and Sunni groups. And, supporters of al-Qaida joined the fighting. Coalition forces often became the targets of bombs and missiles.
In 2007, President Bush ordered a surge in America’s troop strength in Iraq. Thousands of additional troops were deployed around Baghdad and the western province of al-Anbar. They changed the balance of the war. Coalition troops defeated many resistance fighters and militants.
Over the past few months, many American troops have left Iraq.
United States Army soldiers stand near an Iraqi police station in Hawija during a joint operation with Iraqi security forces Wednesday
This week, the American military campaign in Iraq changed names – and goals. The campaign had been called Operation Iraqi Freedom. Now, it is known as Operation New Dawn.
The United States now has fewer than 50,000 soldiers left in Iraq. Their job is to assist and advise Iraqis. However, some soldiers will continue to help Iraqi forces search for resistance fighters.
For example, members of an American special operations group went with Iraqi forces Wednesday to the village of Hawija. One thousand Iraqi soldiers were to arrest suspected terrorists. The Americans raided houses and seized many suspects.
Some Iraqi military officers have expressed worry that the United States is ending battle operations too soon. Politically, Iraq still faces problems. Elections held six months ago failed to produce a clear winner. For this reason, the country has yet to form a new government.
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25