US President Barack Obama has confirmed that all American combat troops will be withdrawn from Iraq by the end of this month.
Speaking at a convention of disabled veterans in Atlanta, he said this fulfilled a pledge he made during his presidential campaigning, the BBC reports.
Mr Obama said America's commitment to Iraq was changing from a military effort to a civilian one led by diplomats.
A transitional force would remain until the end of next year, he said, and would train Iraqi security forces, conduct counter-terrorism operations and provide civilians with ongoing security.
All troops would be withdrawn by the end of next year.
