The Iraqi Awakening Council is comprised of local tribes who have pledged an alliance to fighting al Qaeda in various Iraqi provinces. There are 180 councils in Iraq.Asharq Al-Awsat: The Awakening Council: Iraq's Anti-al-Qaeda Sunni Militias (December 29, 2007)
Under the Obama administration, control of the Awakening Councils has been largely transferred to the Iraqi government. On March 28, 2009, American and Iraqi forces arrested Hajji Adil al-Mashhadani, a leader of the Fadhil Awakening Council. The Fadhil said they have now broken alliance with the Americans.New York Times: Troops Arrest an Iraqi Ally in Baghdad (March 28, 2009)
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Have become Al Qaeda suicide bombing targets
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Allies of United States Military forces
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Separate force from the Iraqi Army
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In November of 2007, the Taji Awakening Council claimed U.S. forces had killed 45 of its menBBC: US accused of killing Iraq allies (November 15, 2007)
