Iraqi, US units replace withdrawn Georgian troops

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

KUT, Iraq (AFP) — Iraqi and US troops have replaced the Georgian contingent in Kut, south of the capital, that was withdrawn to face up to the crisis back home with Russia, the US military said on Saturday.

"Iraqi security forces will partner with the 41st Fires Brigade and occupy several checkpoints and patrol bases previously manned by the 1st Georgian Brigade," it said in a statement.

Georgian troops manned a key checkpoint about 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Kut and patrolled the city.

"Right now, the Iraqi soldiers have taken over the responsibility of the traffic control point, but we are going to train them to be able to take over the entire patrol base," US 2nd Lieutenant Charles Hines said in the statement.

Most of the 2,000-strong...