The United States is using spy satellites to monitor the movements of the U.S.-backed Iraqi army, the Los Angles Times said Wednesday. The surveillance reflects breakdowns in trust and coordination between the two forces, according to the report. U.S. officials said it was part of an expanded intelligence effort launched after U.S. commanders were surprised by the timing of the Iraqi army's violent push into Basra three months ago.
The use of the satellites puts the United States in the unusual position of employing some of its most sophisticated espionage technology to track an allied army that U.S. forces helped create, continue to advise, and often fight alongside. Experts said the move showed concern by U.S. commanders about whether their Iraqi counterparts would follow U.S. guidance or keep their coalition partners fully informed.
But the development was also seen as a sign the Iraqi army has reached a level of independence and competence that U.S. military planners had hoped it would achieve.