Although the US military’s withdrawal from Iraq is going according to plan so far, Iraq is still a dangerous place, said Army Gen. Bernard Champoux, commanding general of the last division headquarters under US Forces-Iraq. Speaking to reporters Thursday via teleconference from his headquarters, Champoux said the security situation remains demanding. For example, on Monday, an improvised explosive device killed a US soldier who was en route from a forward operating base in Taji to another base, he said. “There still are some areas that cause us concern, unfortunately,” said Champoux. “Wherever our bases are, we’ve been receiving some indirect fire. And, the routes that we’ve been using to move on [have] been receiving attention from these extremist groups through roadside bombs and those kinds of things.” Champoux said the Iraqis will continue to face challenges from extremists, including some backed by the Iranians, after the US pullout is complete in December. However, he said, “the trends have been fairly positive.” (Champoux transcript)
Pakistan's kill chain of Chinese-origin weapons was likely a bigger factor in shooting down an Indian fighter than the jets' relative strengths, an expert said.