"This is another important step for the Iraqi Army as they develop their capabilities and gradually take more responsibility for their own security. It is pleasing that the move went so smoothly and offers encouraging signs for the future as everybody continues down the road towards Iraqi self reliance,” said British military spokesman, Captain Ollie Pile. "It is in everybody's interests – the coalition, the Iraqi Security Forces and, above all, the Iraqi people themselves - that we continue to make progress."