September 1, 2010
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – Today the United States military marks a historic milestone as it makes the transition from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn. This transition signifies a formal end to U.S. military combat operations and reaffirms the U.S. military’s commitment to the Iraqi Security Forces and the government and people of Iraq.
The transition to stability operations began almost two years ago and was made possible by the increased capability of Iraqi Security Forces. As the ISF improved their ability to combat terrorists and provide security for the Iraqi people, the U.S. military gradually moved into a supporting role and started conducting stability operations.
As part of Operation New Dawn, U.S. Forces have three primary missions: advising, assisting, and training the Iraqi Security Forces; conducting partnered counterterrorism operations; and providing support to Provincial Reconstruction Teams and our civilian partners as they help build Iraq’s civil capacity.
Operation New Dawn also shifts U.S. Government emphasis from predominantly military to predominately civilian as the U.S. assists Iraq in accordance with the Strategic Framework Agreement. The Departments of Defense and State, along with international and nongovernmental organizations, will continue working together, assisting as Iraq builds civil capacity. This transition represents a change in the nature of U.S. commitment to the government and people of Iraq, but not a change in the level of commitment.
The US will continue to strengthen its enduring strategic partnership with Iraq.
