Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Last US combat brigade leaves Iraq
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Last US combat brigade leaves Iraq
AFP - 45 minutes ago
Send
IM Story
Print
BAGHDAD (AFP) - – The last US combat brigade pulled out of Iraq at dawn on Thursday, a key milestone in the withdrawal of American forces more than seven years after the US-led invasion that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein.
Under cover of darkness, the 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, crossed into neighbouring Kuwait ahead of the planned declaration of an end to US combat operations in Iraq by an August 31 deadline.
The pullout came two days after a suicide bomber killed 59 people at a Baghdad army recruiting centre in Iraq's deadliest attack this year, sparking concern the country's forces are incapable of handling security on their own.
Timeline: Key dates in Iraq since US invasion
Lieutenant Colonel Eric Bloom told AFP the last members of the brigade had entered Kuwait "at about 6:00 am this morning."
"They have a few more days to clean the equipment, prepare the equipment, get it ready for shipment and then they'll fly out (to the United States)."
It took two days for 360 vehicles and 1,200 soldiers to travel from Camp Liberty on Baghdad's outskirts and Camp Taji north of the capital, through the Shiite south and into the Gulf emirate, Bloom said.
The rest of the 4,000-strong brigade left by air.
Kuwait, which hosts several American military camps in its northern desert close to the border, as well as a naval base, was used as the springboard for the 2003 invasion.
About 52,000 US soldiers remain in Iraq, with that figure set to drop to 50,000 by September 1, less than a third of the peak level during the 2007 "surge."
From next month the US mission in Iraq will be called "Operation New Dawn" instead of "Operation Iraqi Freedom" -- the name given to American operations since the invasion.
Facts: US military scales back in Iraq after seven years
To fill the gap left by departing troops, the US State Department will more than double the number of security contractors it employs in Iraq to around 7,000, the New York Times reported.
Citing unnamed administration officials, it said private contractors would operate radar to warn of enemy fire, hunt for roadside bombs and fly surveillance drones.
The pullout coincided with Wednesday's arrival of new US ambassador James Jeffrey, who takes up his post amid political deadlock, with no new government yet formed since elections in March.
It also came during the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, when insurgent attacks typically peak.
A spike in violence in July, Iraq's deadliest month since 2008, and Tuesday's suicide attack blamed on Al-Qaeda have sparked disquiet over the readiness of Iraq's own forces.
"This is an irresponsible withdrawal," said Hamid Fadhel, political science professor at Baghdad University.
"There are dangers to do with security of the country, concerns and fears for Iraq's external security, because of the lack of a military that is able to protect the country."
Many Iraqis agreed, voicing doubts about their own security forces.
"It would have been better for the Americans to wait until the Iraqi army and police complete their training and become a truly loyal force," engineer Ali Khalaf, 30, told AFP.
Related article: Iraqis in doubt as US troops depart
While US officers insist their Iraqi counterparts are up to the task, the country's top military officer told AFP last week that American forces may be needed in the conflict-wracked nation for another decade.
That seems unlikely, however. The White House has repeatedly insisted that the withdrawal schedule, which will see the last US soldier depart at the end of next year, remains on track.
"The readiness of the Iraqi security troops is quite enough to combat the threat," Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said. "The plan is going on, irrespective of the political situation."
State Department spokesman Philip Crowley described the end of combat operations a "historic moment," but stressed America's long-term commitment to Iraq.
"This is not the end of something," he told MSNBC. It's a transition to something different."
In a letter dated August 18 posted on the White House website, President Barack Obama hailed the end of US combat operations but made no mention of the final combat troops leaving.
Saddam Hussein's former deputy Tareq Aziz, however, said in an interview with Britain's Guardian newspaper earlier this month that Obama was "leaving Iraq to the wolves."
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
S.African police fire rubber bullets at strikers AFP - Friday, August 20
Wyclef meets president as Haiti awaits poll decision AFP - 27 minutes ago
UK-World Summary Reuters - 38 minutes ago
Last US combat brigade leaves Iraq AFP - 45 minutes ago
Scores expelled in French crackdown on Roma AFP - 1 hour 10 minutes ago
News Search
Top Stories
US jobless claims jump to 500,000; nine-month high
More Americans say Obama is Muslim
Intel to buy McAfee as it eyes wireless market
Cholera surges in parts of the world: WHO
Swann double checks Pakistan's progress
More Top Stories »
Related Full Coverage
War On TerrorGlobal fight against terrorism
All Full Coverage »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
Michael Douglas cancer fight, halts Hong Kong trip
Most US students think Beethoven is a dog
S.Korea archaeologists uncover 7,000-year-old oar
Weather shifts behind disasters need 'urgent' probe: UN
Over 200 mln US eggs recalled in salmonella scare
More Most Viewed »
Obama endorses mosque plan near Ground Zero
40 US billionaires pledge half wealth to charity
Visitors attack Taiwan 'haunted house' actors
Massive ice island breaks off Greenland glacier
Belgian man dies of South Asian superbug
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo!
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
World Cup 2010
Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Friday, 20 August 2010 Draft talks invite sees Mideast deal in one year
|
Intel to buy McAfee as it eyes wireless market
US jobless claims jump to 500,000; nine-month high
Mexicans mourn mayor, government vows crackdown
|
Oakland Catholic Church Sued For Late Firing Of Pedophile Priest
Cholera surges in parts of the world: WHO
Newsweek Magazine Ranks Indian PM Atop Global Leader List
Australia's Labor neck-and-neck with opposition: paper
|
More Americans say Obama is Muslim
Disney Sends Muslim Employee Home For Wearing Headscarf
Swann double checks Pakistan's progress
Obama Backs U.N. Probe On Rights Violations In Myanmar
Study: Chinese Medicine Shown To Diminish Chemotherapy Side Effects
Eminem And Rihanna Spend Fifth Week At #1 On Billboard Hot 100
Attack on military police kills 7 in Xinjiang, China
|
Groups Protest NextEra's Nuclear Plant License Renewal
"ANTM" Getting Fashion Makeover, Recruits Cavalli, Posen As Guest Judges
Keri Hilson Reaches "Breaking Point" On New Album
Mumified Fetuses From 1930s Discovered In L.A. Basement
Attack on military police kills 7 in Xinjiang, China
Mother claims child died due to BP refinery pollution
U.S. and Pakistan warn of militant plots over floods
Last US combat brigade leaves Iraq
Pakistan calls for aid 'now' ahead of UN meet
Thais to rule on suspected arms dealer extradition
Thailand's 'Red Shirt' lawmakers in court
Plane that crashed in China is N.Korean: Xinhua
HP profit rises on strength in servers and PCs
|
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Dell beats revenue targets as profit margin lags
|
Cameron Diaz ranked most dangerous Web celeb: study
|
Eminem set to lead U.S. album chart for sixth week
Cameron Diaz ranked most dangerous Web celeb: study
BofA to test retail payments with cell phones
|
Sony unit bidding for Taiwan cable channel, reports say
Armless man plays piano with toes to win hearts in China
New buzz word 'vuvuzela' earns a place in English dictionary
By Toutatis! Asterix McDonald's ad irks French
A Minute With: Emma Thompson as "Nanny McPhee"
U2 postpones Spanish show due to general strike
Survey reveals best Europe airport buys
Oakland Catholic Church Sued For Late Firing Of Pedophile Priest
Bobby Fischer Paternity Case Settled, Filipino Girl Not His Daughter
Man Racks Up $1 Million In PayPal Charges Over Phishing Attack
North Korean Pilot Defecting To Russia Crashes In China
Homeless NJ Man Discovered Living In Library Basement
Bangladesh Acknowledges Sex Workers As Professionals
John Lennons 1971 Letter to Aspiring British Folk Singer Arrives 34 years Late
Cameron Diaz ranked most dangerous Web celeb: study
|
Anti-War Protester Charged After Attacking Sen. Levin With Pie
Smoking still too common in movies, CDC says
|
Sex Kills: Young Couple Stoned To Death For Having An Affair
9-Year-Old Boy, Nearly Abducted, Fights Off Attacker With Skateboard
Eminem rules Hot 100 singles chart for fifth week
|
Book aims to redefine Charlie Chan for Asian-Americans
|
Eminem set to lead U.S. album chart for sixth week
|
US-TECH Summary
Cameron Diaz hot bait for online traps
Intel to buy McAfee as it eyes wireless market
'India proposes formula to break BlackBerry logjam'
Google doubles Germans' opt-out deadline for Street View
Cellphones help Cambodian students -- to cheat
India testing ways to access BlackBerry emails
"Dilmaboy" and Twitter: Brazil election goes online
Al-Qaeda claims attack on Iraq army recruits
France defends Roma crackdown amid fresh expulsions
North Korea says consensus with China on nuclear talks
|
Partner says BP hiding oil spill documents
US Calls Bhopal Issue Closed, Froman Explains His Ahluwalia Remarks T
Bharti India CEO: Blackberry solution has to come from RIM
US assures Israel on Iran's A-bomb plans
Pentagon Rejects Talks With WikiLeaks
World powers aim to open Mideast talks next month
|
Key Berlusconi ally seeks early poll
More Americans say Obama is Muslim
Sharp to cut LCD panel production: report
New Season Of TLCs Four Weddings Premieres In September
U.S. assures Israel nuclear Iran not imminent
Havana harassing hunger striker's mother
Pakistan to clamp down on Islamist militant charities
|
Panasonic to lift China plasma plant capacity: report
U.N. Describes Pakistans Flood As "Slow Motion" Tsunami
U.S. Confirms Iraqi Mission Now Known As "New Dawn"
Pentagon eyes technology to increase efficiency
U.S. assures Israel nuclear Iran not imminent: report
|
Stocks Tumble Again Over Jump In Jobless Claims, Manufacturing Slump
Thai court rules to extradite Russian arms dealer
|
TSA Halts, Holds AA Plane At San Francisco Airport Over Phone Threat
Mexicans mourn mayor, government vows crackdown
|
Australia faces prospect of minority government
|
BofA and Visa to test cell phone payments
Afghan refugees homeless again in Pakistan floods
Wyclef Jean not on Haiti candidates list: source
|
People launches delayed iPad app
Four missing after fishing boat capsizes in China
Dell beats revenue targets as profit margin lags
World powers aim to open Mideast talks next month
World urged to act on Pakistan or risk rebel rise
Ahmadinejad says Iran ready for nuclear talks: report
Indie film makers lead Philippine cinema resurgence
Dell profit climbs on surging business computer sales
Afghan insurgent leader captured; US troop killed
Thai court grants alleged arms dealer extradition
Thai court rules to extradite Russian arms dealer
Factbox
Japan tells ships to be more vigilant in Hormuz Strait
Pakistan seeks IMF loan restructuring after floods
Gay marriage surprise issue in Australian election
Pentagon eyes technology to increase efficiency
|
Seoul wants apology before nuclear talks resume
Britain bids to save silent Hitchcock thrillers
Bharti India CEO: Blackberry solution has to come from RIM
|
Australia faces prospect of minority government
Panasonic to lift China plasma plant capacity: report
|
New skyscraper rises at Ground Zero, amid mosque flap
China: two suspects in Xinjiang blast, one dead
Lady Gaga to steal Britney Spears' Twitter crown
|
Brotherhood TV series angers Egypt Islamists
Dell and HP shake off slowdown fears
|
Director Barenboim wants classical music for the masses
"Expendables" to fend off "Nanny", "Vampires"
Israel, Palestinians to resume direct talks: report
Wyclef awaits word on run for Haitian presidency
Sharp to cut LCD panel production: report
|
People launches delayed iPad app
|
Lady Gaga to steal Britney Spears' Twitter crown
Thais to rule on US bid to extradite arms dealer
Ricky Martin memoir to talk fame and sexuality
Global minimum and maximum temperatures
Book aims to redefine Charlie Chan for Asian-Americans
Jetliner grounded in San Francisco after threat
S.Korea July crude imports up 5.5 pct yr/yr
Vacation time for the president
Seoul shares end down; econ concerns weigh
Obama a Muslim? Rumors gain steam, defying facts
Thais to rule on suspected arms dealer extradition
China's Internet access 'matches' rich world
Pakistani c.bank buys 17.7 bln rupees of govt paper
World Bank: Philippine farm policy deepens poverty
CORRECTED
Lady Gaga to steal Britney Spears' Twitter crown
|
PAKISTAN
Expendables to fend off Nanny, Vampires
|
Third year of shortfall seen for Taiwan budget
Ricky Martin memoir to talk fame and sexuality
|
NZ credit card billings fall in July
Neil Patrick Harris on Emmys, Prop 8 and Lost
|
Friday night TV aims to shake off lame duck status
|
Seoul shares retreat on U.S. econ worries
France cuts 2011 growth forecast to 2%
Clinton invites Israel, Palestinians to September 2 talks
|
EU says ban on seal goods in place, with exceptions
Executive Steps Down In Apple-Supplier Kickback Investigation
South Africa unions and gov't talk on public workers' strike
|
Russia 'has no plans to import grain this year'
MSNBC Opts Not To Air Liberal Ad Against Target
Russia extends military presence in Armenia
Federal Appeals Court: Secretly Made Recordings Don't Violate Wiretap Law
EU ban on seal goods imports in place, with exceptions
Last Arizona Prison Escapee Apprehended At Campground
Scientists challenge US optimism on oil spill damage
Iran says might halt high-level uranium enrichment
|
France defies critics to push on with Roma expulsions
"Real Housewives Of Atlanta" Returning For 3rd Season With New Faces
Iraq's rival parties resume government coalition talks
|
Ambassadors Letter Suggests Obama Ignored Indias Concerns
U.S. officials discussed Iran sanctions with Turkey
|
Madonna's Material Girl Teens Clothing Line Sued
Spencer Pratt To Write A Tell-All Book About Heidi Montag
Libya keeps quiet one year after Lockerbie release
|
U.S. Expert: One Year Before Iran Can Prepare Nuclear Bomb
Low Exposure To Cigarette Smoke Causes Cell Damage
Britain warns Libya not to mark Megrahi release, a year on
N.Korea joins Facebook after Twitter propaganda
'Bold plan' for Mekong area rail link approved
Thais rule to extradite Russian arms suspect to US
China to relocate hundreds after mudslide
9/11 family members divided over mosque near WTC
La. scientist's oysters safe from oil, but pricey
Taiwan claims disputed islets in Japan, US drill
India sees solution on BlackBerry emails next week: source
|
Arizona fugitive and fiancee arrested at campsite
Amnesty urges release of Indonesian activists
Dr. Laura's dinner with gay, black friends
Kennedy favors civilian courts in terrorism cases
Google to hire 200 in Ireland
|
US woes weigh on Asian stock markets
Phil Spector documentary gets OK from killer's son
S.Korean pastor arrested over visit to North
S.Korea's KNOC makes hostile offer for UK oil firm
Pakistan likely to seek lower IMF targets after floods
Pakistani stocks, rupee flat; o/n rates up
Asia Fuel Oil-Taiwan's CPC seeks Oct LSFO
Japan finance minister watching forex 'with interest'
Japan urges China to boost rare earth exports
China's Ansteel may scrap US steel deal
Indonesia palm oil giant defends record
US investor Soros buys stake in India stock exchange
Dr. Laura's dinner with gay, black friends
|
Phil Spector documentary gets OK from killer's son
|
Expendables to fend off Nanny, Vampires
|
New film explores the decline in female rappers
|
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights