Iraq's security forces are capable of protecting vital oil infrastructure once the US brings an end to combat missions, NATO's training commander Lieutenant-General Michael Barbero has claimed.

However, speaking to Reuters, he called for a greater investment in training Iraq's oil police in order to reduce the strain that protecting oil pipelines and wells places on the country's military forces.

"One of the things that we need to do is to increase the capabilities of the oil police to free the Iraqi army from this task," he said.

He added that there are currently four oil training centres throughout the country established in pursuance of this aim, which will become increasingly vital once US forces end combat duties in Iraq at the end of the month.

A sizable US security contingent will however remain in Iraq, with 50,000 soldiers set to uphold advisory posts in the country through to 2011.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development