First Iraqi Province Transferred to Iraqi Control

CENTCOM has released a statement by Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and Gen. George Casey announcing the first Iraqi province to come under total Iraqi control::

BAGHDAD – Iraq witnessed a historic event today with the transfer of security responsibility in Muthanna Province from the Multi-National Force - Iraq (MNF-I) to the Provincial Governor and civilian-controlled Iraqi Security Forces. The handover represents a milestone in the successful development of Iraq’s capability to govern and protect itself as a sovereign and democratic nation. Muthanna is the first of Iraq’s 18 provinces to be designated for such a transition.

Muthanna's security had been handled by British and Australian Coalition forces.