Commander Says al-Qaida 'Virtually Destroyed' in Kirkuk

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 12, 2008 - Violence in Iraq's Kirkuk province has dropped by 70 percent, and coalition and Iraqi forces have "virtually destroyed" al-Qaida in Iraq in the region, the commander of the U.S. brigade combat team in the area said today.

Army Col. David Paschal, commander of 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, said that as security improves in the strategic northern province, changes are happening in the economy and in governance that help cement the security progress in place.

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