Iraq government take over control of Green Zone

U.S. military authorities officially transferred control of Baghdad's 4-sq.-mi/6 sq. km central Green Zone to the Iraqi government on 1 January 2009. The transfer of control is part of a new security agreement between the U.S. and Iraq that gives primary control of Iraq's airspace and ground security to local troops. Military commanders told reporters that although control of the Green Zone now comes under the jurisdiction of the Iraqi government, U.S. soldiers will continue to provide armed security throughout Baghdad and Iraq. The Green Zone, which will reportedly remain off-limits to most Iraqis, houses some of Baghdad's most important government and military buildings. Saddam Hussein's former palace headquarters is located in the Green Zone, and the building has been handed over to the Iraqi government. British authorities also handed over control of the city of Basra to local officials as part of an overall security agreement between the United Kingdom and Iraq.