U.S Military Released Another 13 Iraqi Detainees

The US military has released 13 Iraqi detainees who were welcomed home in a ceremony in the former Sunni insurgent stronghold of Azamiyah in northern Baghdad.

It's the latest in a series of releases meant as a goodwill gesture to promote reconciliation efforts with minority Sunnis who have recently turned against al-Qaida in Iraq.
United States Army Colonel John Hort said the release is of great significance.

"This is a great day for Azamiyah, for Baghdad, but most importantly Iraq. Today we are repatriating several Iraqi individuals back into society."

The detainees read an oath while holding the Holy Quran, before US and Iraqi army officials and police. After the reading, they were reunited with friends and family.

Released detainee, Muntasir Abdul-Mahdi, said he had been detained at Camp Bucca for a year after being arrested by US troops.

"They said that they would make inquiries, but I was there for one year. I am innocent. They released us because we are innocent."

American officials said violence has sharply declined in Iraq in recent years as the Bush administration's strategy in Iraq is showing signs of success. However, there's still widespread opposition to the conflict within the American public.