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US President Barack Obama announced on Friday (February 27) that American combat troops in Iraq will be withdrawn by the end of August 2010. While addressing a Marine Corps base, Obama stated that the US combat mission in Iraq will official come to an end after 18 months. However, he added that about 35,000 to 50,000 troops will continue to stay in Iraq to help the government.
He said that after the removal of combat troops from Iraq, America will focus on supporting Iraqi government and its security forces in conducting targeted counter-terrorism missions. The troops will protect America's ongoing civilian and military efforts within Iraq. He said that US will form a transitional force to train, equip and advice the Iraqi security forces as long as they remain non-sectarian.
Obama also informed that US will also redeploy some troops during the period of transition in Iraq. Earlier the US has signed a Status of Forces Agreement with the Iraqi government, under which America will withdraw all its troops by the end of 2011. The US President said that America will not interfere in Iraq's affairs as it is a sovereign country with legitimate institutions. He however stressed that US is intended to make a strong political, diplomatic and civilian effort to help lay a foundation for lasting peace and security in Iraq.
