Iraq has taken a full control of the cities following the complete withdrawal of U.S. forces.
The security for the cities will be the responsibility of 500,000 policemen and 250,000 soldiers.
On this occasion, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki declared: "A grave mistake will be committed by anyone who thinks that the Iraqis are incapable of protecting the security of their country…"
He said the government was looking forward to the biggest achievement in 2011, when all foreign forces will withdraw from Iraq.
Source: Al-Mada, Iraq, July 1, 2009
