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US wraps up combat operation in Iraq
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The US combat mission in Iraq officially ends in less than 24 hours. The move is part of a promise US President Barack Obama made last year when he took office to end the war.
Obama will officially mark the milestone with a prime time address to the nation from the Oval Office on Tuesday afternoon.
Barack Obama, US President, said, "On Tuesday, after more than 7 years, the United States of America will end its combat mission in Iraq and take an important step forward in responsibly ending the Iraq war. As a candidate for this office, I pledged I would end this war. As president, that is what I am doing."
The US slashed its troop numbers in Iraq to 50-thousand leading up to the withdrawal deadline. Everything from helicopters to printer cartridges were wrapped, stamped and shipped out of Iraq at the weekend.
US military bases that once resembled small towns have transformed into a cross between giant post offices and office depots.
Soldiers who battled insurgents and roadside bombs are now doing inventory and accounting. Their task now is to prepare for the long trip home after seven years of war.
Brigadier General Corson, US Army, said, "This is really the equivalent of moving a city of 80 thousand people with all of their automobiles, all of their household goods, and moving them 8000 miles back to the United States, as well as cleaning up and selling their homes."
The drawdown has been underway since late 2008, when the US began cutting troop numbers following a 170-thousand-strong surge.
