Iraq eyes F-16s to end US occupation

Iraq reportedly plans to buy 36 high-tech F-16 fighters in a move that may prompt a faster US troop withdrawal from the oil-rich country.

The major purchase comes on the heels of a Pentagon notification to Congress that it had approved a deal to sell 24 attack helicopters to Iraq, valued at around $2.4 billion, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Washington currently hopes to sign a controversial Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with Baghdad to give legal basis to its military and political presence in war-torn Iraq after December 31 when the UN mandate defining its status expires.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced last week that the two sides had agreed that the deal would require the approximate 144,000 US troops stationed in Iraq to leave the country by the end of 2011. The Iraqi Parliament has not yet approved the security pact.

There have been indications that the deal would not require a full withdrawal of US forces unless Baghdad restores stability in the country.

News of the possible F-16 sale comes after Washington announced that it would keep its fighter aircraft and helicopters in Iraq even after its combat troops have left.

Iraq, however, has further plans to restore its sovereignty and security. In addition to the proposed attack helicopter purchase, it intends to buy nearly $7.5 dollars in US military hardware, including tanks and armored vehicles and transport aircraft.

Last week, the US commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, called for the pullout of American troops from Baghdad within 10 months because of the increase in Iraq's ability to conduct security operations without the help of US troops.