US mulls Iraqi paramilitary force to boost security [View All]

[LauraK]

BAGHDAD - The US-led coalition is mulling the creation of an indigenous paramilitary force in Iraq to help shoulder the growing security burden in the country, the top US soldier here said Thursday.

Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez also said he was considering using tribal forces such as those in northern Iraq that would provide "significant ability" to protect infrastructure which is under relentless threat of sabotage from loyalists to Saddam Hussein and his deposed Baath Party.

"Yes, there are some discussions going on about a paramilitary force" positioned between the country's understaffed and poorly armed police and the new Iraqi army which is being established, Sanchez told a press conference.
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