Iraq's government took command Wednesday of thousands of U.S.-backed, mostly Sunni fighters who turned against al-Qaeda. The Shiite-dominated government pledged to integrate the fighters into public life for their help in quelling violence.

About 100,000 fighters, known as Sons of Iraq or Awakening Councils, had been under U.S. military supervision and were paid by the United States for the past two years. The first group will get the first payments from Iraq next month.

"The transition will be paced as conditions allow so that security can be maintained," U.S. military spokesman Capt. Charles Calio said. He said the Sunni fighters "play a significant role in improving and maintaining security throughout the country."