Maj. Gen. Robert Caslen, who assumed command of Multi-National Division North in Iraq last month, said the New Year “;marks the beginning of a new phase for U.S. military operations in Iraq.”;

Caslen, commander of the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, leads the Tikrit-based Multi-National Division North, also known as Task Force Lightning. It is responsible for the cities of Tikrit, Balad, Kirkuk, Mosul and Samarra.

“;The security agreement between the U.S. and Iraq now determines the principal provisions and requirements that regulate the temporary presence, activities and withdrawal of the United States forces from Iraq,”; Caslen said.

In an e-mail to the Star-Bulletin, Caslen, who took 1,000 soldiers from his headquarters and another 3,500 from the 3rd Brigade Combat team to Iraq, added: “;The most significant change affected by the agreement is the basis for the authority that allows the military to conduct operations in Iraq. Rather than the authority of the United Nations, it is the authority and consent of the government of Iraq that makes the allowances.”;

Iraq is responsible for its own affairs. Iraqi military commanders plan and conduct security operations, and U.S. commanders must coordinate activities through Iraqi headquarters, according to Caslen.

“;Iraqi army and police units now conduct the majority of security operations with U.S. personnel supporting by providing capabilities not yet present in Iraqi formations,”; he said.

The Iraqi government approves contracts, and employees are subject to Iraqi law, Caslen said.

Iraq also is in control of its airspace, he said.

“;Another key provision of the security agreement changes the U.S. military's ability to arrest and detain Iraqi citizens. An official warrant issued by an Iraqi judge is now required before any Iraqi citizen is captured or held,”; he said, adding that there are exceptions for self-defense. But if there's no warrant, detainees must be transferred to Iraqi custody within 24 hours of capture, Caslen said.

Military patrols and convoys are now sharing the roads with traffic, and police departments rather than military units are providing security in the majority of Iraqi cities and towns with U.S. units continuing to assist and advise, he said.

Over the next several months, several U.S. outposts inside city limits will begin closing.

“;The implementation of the security agreement marks the birth of a new sovereign Iraqi nation and establishes a set point in time for the withdrawal of U.S. forces. It is a critical step forward towards a fully autonomous and self-dependent Iraq,”; Caslen said, noting that the agreement also “;lays the foundation for a future of long-term cooperation and partnership”; between Iraq and the United States.