US says Iranian-sponsored attacks in Iraq falling

[July 10, 2008]  CAMP VICTORY, Iraq (AP) -- The second-ranking U.S. commander in Iraq says the number of rocket and mortar attacks in Iraq that can be linked to Iranian-sponsored fighters has fallen in recent weeks.

Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin attributes the decline mainly to efforts by Iraqi forces to choke off radical elements of Shiite militias in the southern cities of Basra and Amarah.

Austin said Wednesday he does not know whether the dropoff in attacks is an intentional gesture by Iran. Austin spoke at his headquarters at the main U.S. military compound just west of Baghdad.

[Associated Press]

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