Iraq's Al Maliki says government has defeated terrorism

Baghdad: Iraq's prime minister said Saturday that
the government has defeated terrorism in the country, a
sign of growing confidence after recent crackdowns against
Sunni extremists and Shiite militias.

Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki launched the crackdowns to
extend the authority of the government over areas in
Baghdad and elsewhere that have largely been under the
control of armed groups since the US-led invasion in
2003.

"They were intending to besiege Baghdad and control it,"
Al Maliki said. "But thanks to the will of the tribes,
security forces, army and all Iraqis, we defeated them."

He was speaking at ceremonies marking the fifth
anniversary of the 2003 assassination of Ayatollah Mohammad Baqir Al Hakim, a leading opponent of Saddam Hussain.

Such attacks plagued Iraq following the US-led invasion,
but violence in the country has now fallen to its lowest
level in four years.

The change has been driven by the 2007 buildup of American forces, the Sunni tribal revolt against Al Qaida in Iraq and Al Maliki's crackdowns, among other factors.

"Under the national unity government, the Iraqis have achieved national feats...that are now lighting the course of our march," said Al Maliki.