Iraq to Reorganize Baghdad Security Forces

The Iraqi government says it plans to bring all of Baghdad's security forces under a unified command in an effort to control sectarian violence.

Officials say tens of thousands of police and paramilitary troops are operating in Baghdad. They say the reorganized force will wear the same uniform and use similar vehicles. But coalition officials warn plans are still in the early phases.

News of the plan comes one day after Iraq's President Jalal Talabani said nearly 1,100 people were killed in Baghdad last month.

In Baghdad Thursday, a roadside-bomb killed five street cleaners. Two other explosions in the city killed three U.S. soldiers. To the north, gunmen kidnapped 10 people - at least five of whom were saved by U.S. and Iraqi forces.

On the political front, officials say differences over who will head Iraq's Oil Ministry are delaying the formation of Prime Minister-designate Nouri al-Maliki's new government.

Mr. al-Maliki had been expected to announce his new government Thursday and has pledged to forward a full Cabinet list to parliament for its approval by the end of this week.
VOA