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Obama
declares end to US combat operations in Iraq
Wednesday, September 01, 2010 09:59:31 AM,
IANS
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Washington: US President Barack Obama Tuesday declared
an end to the US combat mission in Iraq, more than seven years
after the US-led invasion of the Middle Eastern country.
In live address from the White House less than two weeks after the
last US combat brigade left Iraq, Obama said it was time for
Iraqis themselves to take responsibility for their security.
"Tonight, I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq
has ended," he said in an evening speech televised from the Oval
Office. "Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now
have lead responsibility for the security of their country."
"Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the US and
Iraq, we have met our responsibility. Now, it is time to turn the
page."
Fewer than 50,000 US troops remain in Iraq and will be responsible
for training the Iraqi military and some counterterrorism
operations. The US State Department will take over direction of
the new mission - called "New Dawn" - from the military.
Nearly 100,000 troops have left Iraq since Obama took office in
January 2009. The president has instead sharpened the military
focus on Afghanistan.
Obama, who opposed the US-led invasion of Iraq, highlighted the
"huge price" in lives and treasure of the seven-year war effort
and pledged a renewed focus on boosting the US' flagging economy
as troops come home.
"Today, our most urgent task is to restore our economy and put the
millions of Americans who have lost their jobs back to work," he
said.
More than 4,400 US soldiers have been killed since the start of
the US-led invasion of Iraq in March 2003.
(DPA)
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