Manama, Bahrain - Iraq's navy could be fully responsible for the defence of one of two key offshore oil platforms by December, according to the senior US and coalition commander in the Persian Gulf. "We have just turned over the point defense responsibility of the northern Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT) to the Iraqi Navy and our intention is turn over the security responsibility for the entire area around the platform by the end of December," said Vice Admiral William Gortney on Sunday.
Gortney is the commander of the US naval forces central command, the Manama-based US Navy 5th Fleet command, and coalition maritime forces.
KAAOT and the Al Basrah Oil Terminal (ABOT) are key parts of the Iraqi economy, accounting for oil production equal to anywhere between 70 to 85 per cent of the country's gross domestic product.
The two terminals - which were seen as vital to Iraq's reconstruction - had been under close guard by the coalition following the 2003 invasion of Iraq. However, control of operations and sales of oil has remained with the Iraqi government while coalition forces provide security.
Gortney said the Iraqi navy's strong performance during training showed that it was ready to take over the platforms' defence.
The comments came during a visit by the USS Dwight D Eisenhower to Bahrain, the first nuclear-powered Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier to drop anchor in Bahrain. The visit was also used to highlight new port facilities that can be used for maintenance and resupply of US carriers.
The Gulf island had been host to the US Navy presence in the region for almost six decades.
