US to close base near camp housing Iranian exiles; residents fear violence

Published November 17, 2014

BAGHDAD (AP) — The U.S. military says it will turn over a base near a compound housing an Iranian opposition group to Iraqi forces next month.

The presence of the People's Mujahedeen Organization of Iran at Camp Ashraf has long been an irritant to Iraq's government, and exiles expressed fear the U.S. withdrawal would lead to violence.

An Iraqi raid on the camp nearly a year ago prompted a melee that left 11 residents dead. More than 3,000 live there.

U.S. soldiers long guarded the compound under an agreement reached after the 2003 invasion. It was transferred to Iraqi control last year, but the Americans maintained their base.

Military spokesman Bob Owen said Thursday the closure is part of the transition ahead of America's full withdrawal from Iraq.

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