Marines Turn Reins Over to Iraqis in Anbar

The Marine Corps closed an historic chapter in the history of its role in Operation Iraqi Freedom on Aug. 26, as Iraqi security forces took over military operations in the country’s Anbar province. “This was really a red-letter day for the province and the United States, because it is the first step in completely turning over responsibility to the local officials,” said Marine Corps. Maj. Gen. John F. Kelly, the commanding general of Multi National Force-West, after the change-of-command ceremony. Marines saw some of its most fierce combat action in Anbar, particularly in the towns of Fallujah and Ramadi, since the Iraq campaign began in 2003. The changeover largely is credited to the return of stability to the war-torn region.