U.S. military has new name for neighborhood militia groups

The U.S. military has changed the term is uses to describe the neighborhood militia groups that have become a linchpin of the improved security situation in Iraq.

Now known as “Sons of Iraq,” the groups previously had been called “concerned local citizens” throughout the military and in press releases. In recent days, briefings by military officials and news releases have used the new name.

Spokesmen in Baghdad said the change was made because of both a language shortcoming and to make a distinction between two different movements — the “Awakening” groups in Anbar and the local militias that have been funded by U.S. troops in other parts of the country.

“The phrase Concerned Local Citizen (CLC) does not translate well in Arabic, so ‘Sahwa’ (“Awakening”) was often used in its place,” Lt. Col. Rudy Burwell, a spokesman for Multi-National Corps — Iraq, said in an e-mail. “The Awakening is a distinct movement originating in Anbar province, and the change to ‘Sons of Iraq’ makes a clear distinction between the groups.”

The Awakening began in Anbar province last summer, when sheiks and tribal leaders — saying they were fed up with al-Qaida in Iraq attacks and intimidation — pledged their loyalty and their men to the U.S. military. Since then, similar deals have been struck with mostly Sunni groups throughout Iraq, with some Shiite clans following suit.

“Sons of Iraq” translates to Abnaa al-Iraq, said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman for the 4th Infantry Division and Multi-National Division — Baghdad.

Whatever they are called, local militias, which are paid and sometimes given uniforms by U.S. troops, have been credited with a role in solidifying gains in Iraq. Military officials have said the “surge” of some 30,000 U.S. troops last year and a cease-fire ordered by Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who heads the Mahdi Army militia.

In recent weeks, insurgent attacks against both the “Awakening” and “Sons of Iraq” members have increased. Several tribal and group leaders have been assassinated.