www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15300668/

U.S. forces return to help Iraqis stem violence

Troops back in Balad after spate of killings; Iraqi gov’t fires thousands

The Associated Press

October 17, 2006

3,000 government employees dismissed

The ministry said last week it had fired 3,000 employees accused of corruption or rights abuses and that it intended to change top commanders as part of a restructuring plan designed to bolster its ability to combat violence. It said 600 of the 3,000 dismissed personnel will face prosecution.