Bush says effectiveness increasing of Iraqi forces

US President George W. Bush praised the growing number and "increasing effectiveness" of Iraqi forces, and said that together with coalition forces in the country, "we are on the offense" against insurgents and "have a plan to win."

Speaking September 28 at the White House, Bush said more than 100 Iraqi battalions now are operating throughout Iraq, and their presence is preventing insurgents from returning to cities after being driven out by coalition forces. "By leaving Iraqi units in the cities we've cleared out, we can keep the cities safe while we move on to hunt down the terrorists in other parts of the country," he said.