The Iraqi navy is continuing to develop rapidly in both size and competence, according to the United States Forces deputy commanding general for advising and training in the country.

Writing for DOD Live, Army Lieutenant General Michael D Barbero said that the navy now possesses in excess of 50 vessels, including a number of high-speed patrol vessels used to protect oil platforms in the country's southern territorial waters.

"Additionally, the first of 15 new, US-built patrol boats arrive later this summer and the second group of 50 Iraqi sailors will soon be training in Louisiana," he wrote.

Other landmarks include a 300 per cent increase in the number in the number of patrols conducted every month when compared year-over-year, while the navy has also taken full control of one of two key oil platforms.

His comments followed this week's confirmation from US president Barack Obama that US combat forces will be withdrawn from the country by the end of this month, with between 50,000 and 65,000 remaining in the country until the end of next year in an advisory capacity.

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