Iraqi tribal leader announces Anbar security deal

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2006

BAGHDAD (AFP) — A tribal leader from Iraq's restive western Al-Anbar province has announced on an agreement between the tribes and the Iraqi government to increase security cooperation there.

"Everyone will work through all means to reject violence and terrorism and realize the security and stability of the province of Anbar," said Sheikh Osama Jedaan of the Karabla tribe.

Jedaan told reporters that the basis of the agreement involved increasing local recruitment by the security forces.

Under the agreement, 8,000 members will be added to the currently 3,000-strong police force, while another 5,000 recruits will join the Iraqi army's first and seventh divisions.

The desert protectors, a force of locally recruited scouts meant to help security forces...