US combat troops will leave Iraq by Aug 31: Obama

Washington, Aug 3: 'As promised and on schedule', US President Barack Obama on Monday, Aug 2 proudly announced the pullout of the US troops from Iraq by Aug 31.

Informing that the final 15,000 US combat troops will be pulled out in the coming weeks, the president said, "Make no mistake, our commitment in Iraq is changing, from a military effort led by our troops to a civilian effort led by our diplomats."

After the combat troops are brought back home, the remaining 50,000 personnel will support and train Iraqi forces, conduct counter-terrorism missions and protect US civilian initiatives, he said at the national convention of the Disabled American Veterans

This transitional force is also scheduled to leave Iraq by the end of 2011.

OneIndia News