Ninevah sees security gains, official says

BAGHDAD, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Security has improved in northern Iraq, but not enough to convince provincial governors it's time yet for Iraqi control, a U.S. military leader said. Iraqi security forces "have made monumental strides" in capabilities and professionalism, Army Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling of the Multinational Division North said during a news conference from Forward Operating Base Speicher in Iraq. The division and Iraqi allies engaged in seven separate fights in Ninevah province, ranging from al-Qaida affiliates to gangs. Since the operation began in May, "we've seen a sharp decline, not only in attacks but in foreign fighters traversing the western Nineveh deserts," Hertling said. The operation resulted in the death or capture of dozens of mid- and high-level al-Qaida operatives and disrupted the flow of foreign... [read full story]