PM MALIKI ORDERS RETURN TO ALMOST NORMAL

S E C R E T BAGHDAD 000426 NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/17/2020 TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM MOPS PTER IZ SUBJECT: PM MALIKI ORDERS RETURN TO ALMOST NORMAL IRAQI-U.S. SPECIAL OPS REF: BAGHDAD 405 Classified By: Charge d'Affaires, a.i., Robert S. Ford for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (S/NF) The Prime Minister's Office issued a memorandum February 16 to the Defense and Interior Ministries which reversed the February 12 order to suspend U.S.-Iraqi combined security operations (text in paragraph two below). The new order effectively allows almost all Iraqi Security Force operations to be carried out with U.S. Forces-Iraq (USF-I) support. It also reveals that the PM's operational sensitivity was air-to-ground helo attack roles in special operations. This is likely in response to unfounded initial reports that aircraft had been involved in firing on the targets in Operation Steel Curtain (reftel). Subsequently, the Iraqi Ground Forces Command issued an additional order to all commands and units to expand on the PM's note (text follows in paragraph three). ¶2. (C) From: Prime Minister's Office - Operations and Training To: MOD-Secretariat General MOI-Counterterrorism Bureau Minister's Office Secret and Immediate Order #84 Purpose of Memorandum: To cancel the context of our secret and immediate memorandum #75 dated 12 February 2010. - The Prime Minister has directed an adjustment to the instructions detailed in memorandum #75. - The following is directed: ---Significant targeting operations should be attempted to be conducted without aircraft, if it is necessary to use aircraft, targets will not be engaged by aircraft involved in the operation. ---All operations are to be carried out by the ISF with the support of USF-I. ---Acknowledge this order and carry out per instructions. Signed by GEN Faruq OCINC ¶3. (C) From: IGFC To: All Commands and Units CC: M3 - Combined Partnering Operations Center Reference PM Letter #75 dated 12 February 2010 in regards to obtaining the PM approval before conducting joint operations. On 12 February 2010 the PM Office issued letter #84 which voided the above mentioned letter #75. Letter #84 stipulates that important joint operations can be still conducted; however they must meet the following conditions: -- If aircraft are used in the execution of a joint operation they are not permitted to open fire. -- Performance of the mission will be left to ISF, while USF-I will occupy a support role. ¶4. (S/NF) COMMENT: This order represents real progress with the GOI on U.S.-Iraqi combined special operations. Embassy will continue to work with USF-I to ensure a return to normal operations, particularly for high-value targets, in accordance with the Security Agreement. FORD