Iraqi Security Forces

Iraqi Security Forces are the military and law enforcement forces responsible for maintaining security and stability in Iraq, working closely with the United States Armed Forces, British Armed Forces, and other Coalition Forces. The Iraqi Security Forces were established after the 2003 invasion of Iraq by the Coalition Provisional Authority, led by L. Paul Bremer, with the goal of creating a new security apparatus to replace the Iraqi Army and other Saddam Hussein-era security forces, such as the Republican Guard (Iraq). The development of the Iraqi Security Forces has been supported by various international organizations, including the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

● History of

the Iraqi Security Forces The history of the Iraqi Security Forces began with the establishment of the New Iraqi Army in 2003, with the help of the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and other Coalition Forces, including the Australian Defence Force and the Polish Armed Forces. The Iraqi Police Service was also established during this period, with training and support provided by the United States Department of State, United States Department of Defense, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Iraqi Security Forces have undergone significant development and transformation over the years, with key milestones including the Battle of Fallujah (2004), the Battle of Ramadi (2006), and the Iraq War troop surge of 2007, which involved the deployment of additional troops from the United States Army, including the 1st Cavalry Division (United States), and the 3rd Infantry Division (United States). The Iraqi Security Forces have also received training and support from other countries, including Canada, Germany, and Italy, through the NATO Training Mission – Iraq.

● Structure and Organization

The Iraqi Security Forces are organized under the Ministry of Defence (Iraq), led by the Minister of Defence (Iraq), and the Ministry of Interior (Iraq), led by the Minister of Interior (Iraq). The Iraqi Security Forces include the Iraqi Army, the Iraqi Air Force, the Iraqi Navy, and the Iraqi Police Service, which are all responsible for maintaining security and stability in Iraq, working closely with other security agencies, such as the Iraqi Border Police and the Facilities Protection Service. The Iraqi Security Forces are also supported by various international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

● Branches of

the Iraqi Security Forces The branches of the Iraqi Security Forces include the Iraqi Army, which is responsible for land-based military operations, and the Iraqi Air Force, which is responsible for air-based military operations, with support from the United States Air Force and the Royal Air Force. The Iraqi Navy is responsible for maritime security and defense, working closely with the United States Navy and the Royal Navy. The Iraqi Police Service is responsible for law enforcement and maintaining public order, with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Iraqi Security Forces also include other branches, such as the Iraqi Special Operations Forces, which are trained and equipped to conduct special operations, with support from the United States Special Operations Command and the British Special Air Service.

● Equipment and Logistics

The Iraqi Security Forces are equipped with a range of military equipment, including M1 Abrams tanks, M113 armored personnel carriers, and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, provided by the United States Department of Defense and other international donors, such as the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence and the Canadian Department of National Defence. The Iraqi Security Forces also have access to various types of small arms, including M16 rifles and M4 carbines, as well as rocket-propelled grenades and other explosive ordnance, with training and support provided by the United States Army and the British Army. The logistics and supply chain management of the Iraqi Security Forces are supported by various international organizations, including the United Nations World Food Programme and the International Rescue Committee.

● Operations and Engagements

The Iraqi Security Forces have been involved in various operations and engagements, including the Battle of Basra (2008), the Battle of Mosul (2016-2017), and the Battle of Kirkuk (2017), working closely with the United States Armed Forces, Kurdistan Regional Government, and other Coalition Forces, such as the Australian Defence Force and the French Armed Forces. The Iraqi Security Forces have also been involved in operations against ISIS, including the Mosul offensive (2016), the Raqqa campaign (2016-2017), and the Deir ez-Zor campaign (2017-2019), with support from the United States Air Force and the Royal Air Force. The Iraqi Security Forces have also received training and support from other countries, including Turkey, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates, through the NATO Training Mission – Iraq.

● Training and Reform Efforts

The Iraqi Security Forces have undergone significant training and reform efforts, with support from various international organizations, including the United States Department of State, United States Department of Defense, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The Iraqi Security Forces have received training in various areas, including counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, and human rights, with support from the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and other Coalition Forces, such as the British Army and the Canadian Armed Forces. The Iraqi Security Forces have also undergone significant reforms, including the establishment of a new Ministry of Defence (Iraq), the development of a new Iraqi Army doctrine, and the creation of a new Iraqi Police Service training program, with support from the United Nations Development Programme and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

● Current Status and Challenges

The current status of the Iraqi Security Forces is complex and challenging, with ongoing security threats from ISIS and other extremist groups, such as the Kurdistan Workers' Party and the Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq. The Iraqi Security Forces face significant challenges, including corruption, sectarianism, and a lack of resources, with support from the United States Department of State, United States Department of Defense, and other international organizations, such as the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and the International Monetary Fund. The Iraqi Security Forces are working to address these challenges, with support from the Government of Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government, and other international partners, including the European Union and the Arab League. The Iraqi Security Forces are also receiving support from various non-governmental organizations, including the International Rescue Committee and the Save the Children.

Category:Military of Iraq