Iraq Takes Control of Security in 10th Province

BAGHDAD — Coalition forces have handed the Iraqi government control of a province south of Baghdad, reflecting security improvements across the country.

American and Polish forces operated in the mostly Shiite province of Qadisiyah, the tenth of 18 provinces to revert to Iraqi authority. The handover comes as Iraqi officials pressure America to agree to a specific timeline to withdraw American forces.

The American commander in the provincial capital of Diwaniyah, Lieutenant General Lloyd Austin, was at the handover ceremony today. He said Qadisiyah has made big security gains in the past year, and that local and provincial governments are working well.

Qadisiyah had been the scene of fighting among Shiite factions, and American and Iraqi troops launched a big operation there last year. The handover was delayed from last month.