U.S. Combat Troops Pull Out of Iraqi Cities

While more than 130,000 U.S. troops remain in Iraq, patrols by heavily armed soldiers in hulking vehicles have largely disappeared from Iraq's urban centers, as the United States turns over security to Iraqi police and soldiers.

June 30

Iraqi citizens celebrate in Basra, Iraq, as U.S. troops pulled out of the country's cities and returned to sovereignty.

Nabil Al-jurani-AP

July 1

An Iraqi police officer rides his bike, decorated with an image of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, during an official parade at the police academy in Kirkuk.

Marwan Ibrahim-AFP/Getty Images

June 30

An man kisses and dances with the Iraqi flag in Baghdad to celebrate the U.S withdrawal from Iraqi cities.

Muhannad Fala'ah-Getty Images

June 30

U.S. Army Pfc. David Bosse, right, watches his comrades conduct a weapons training class in their barracks at Forward Operating Base Warhorse in Baqouba Iraq. US troops completed their last patrols on June 29 after the deadline to withdraw from Iraqi cities.

Maya Alleruzzo-AP

June 29

Iraqis celebrate American troop withdrawals in Baghdad. Six years and three months after the March 2003 invasion, the United States has withdrawn its remaining combat troops from Iraq's cities. Thousands of people attended a party in a city park late Monday where singers performed patriotic songs.

Khalid Mohammed-AP

June 30

Iraqi security members march near the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in Baghdad's Green Zone. U.S. combat troops left the last of Iraq's cities, restoring the country's sense of sovereignty that many applauded, despite some fear it may leave them more vulnerable to attacks.

Saad Shalash-Reuters

June 30

From left, Minister of National Security Sharwan al-Waeli, Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Defense Minister Abdel Qader al-Obeidi, Deputy Prime Minister Rafa al-Essawi and Interior Minister Jawad Bolani stand during a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Baghdad.

Ali Al-saadi-AFP/Getty Images

June 30

Iraqi T-72 tanks roll toward the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a parade in Baghdad. The events mark the withdrawal of the U.S. military from towns and cities around the nation.

Ali Al-saadi-AFP/Getty Images

June 30

A Communist Party supporter offers sweets to an Iraqi soldier in Baghdad.

Mohammed Ameen-REUTERS

June 30

Iraqi army soldiers patrol streets in Baghdad. U.S. combat troops pulled out of Iraqi cities on Tuesday in the first step toward winding down the war effort by the end of 2011.

Khalid Mohammed-AP

June 30

U.S. soldiers load equipment for removal at a base in Baqubah, Iraq.

Stringer/iraq-Reuters

June 30

Iraqi National Police patrol at night in Baghdad.

Hadi Mizban-AP

June 29

Iraqis celebrate in Baghdad to mark the milestone of U.S. troops leaving Iraqi cities. Fireworks colored Baghdad's skyline and thousands of people attended parties.

Khalid Mohammed-AP

June 29

An Iraqi police officer kisses the national flag as he and his partner decorate their police vehicle in preparation for the official withdrawal of U.S. troops from cities and towns across the nation.

Sabah Arar-AFP/Getty Images

June 29

A U.S. soldier empties his rifle following his last mission to visit an Iraqi police commander in Baqubah, Iraq. Under a bilateral security accord signed last year, U.S. troops pull out of towns and cities across Iraq on June 30.

Ahmad Al-rubaye-AFP/Getty Images

June 29

Iraqi security forces wave to spectators in Basra, Iraq.

Nabil Al-jurani-AP

June 29

Iraqi soldiers parade at the old Iraqi Defense Ministry, the last of the 86 positions occupied by the U.S. military in Baghdad.

Ali Al-saadi-AFP/Getty Images

June 29

Iraqi security forces celebrate American troop withdrawals in Ramadi, Iraq.

Karim Kadim-AP

Gallery Credits:
Photo Editors Chris Dunn, Steve Cook Producer Chris Dunn Text Editor Channing Turner and Heather Farrell

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This Story Gen. Odierno Touts 'Significant' Day in Iraq Video \| Tuesday is a holiday in Iraq as Iraqis celebrate the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from the country's cities. Gen. Ray Odierno, the top U.S. Military commander in Iraq, called it a significant milestone for Iraq. Video by AP : Iraq: 1st Pullout Deadline Muted Response to Iraq Troop Pullback from War-Weary Nation World Briefing Podcast: Changes in Iraq and Honduras Iraq Takes Control of Security in Baghdad Jubilation in Iraq on Eve of U.S. Pullback Full Coverage: America at War Special Report: Faces of the Fallen U.S. Combat Troops Pull Out of Iraqi Cities Interactive Map: Deadliest Attacks in Iraq This Story Iraq's 'Milestone' Day Marred by Fatal Blast Article \| BAGHDAD, June 30 -- At least 34 people were killed in a car bombing Tuesday in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk, marring a national holiday declared to celebrate the departure of U.S. combat troops from the country's cities. Anxious Oil Giants Pass on Iraq The Take: Have We Forgotten Iraq? U.S. Combat Troops Pull Out of Iraqi Cities Podcast: World Briefing Iraq Takes Control of Security in Baghdad : Iraq: 1st Pullout Deadline Full Coverage: America at War		Network News X Profile View More Activity TOOLBOX E-Mail This Reprints		More on washingtonpost.com • More Photo News » washingtonpost.com
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U.S. Combat Troops Pull Out of Iraqi Cities

While more than 130,000 U.S. troops remain in Iraq, patrols by heavily armed soldiers in hulking vehicles have largely disappeared from Iraq's urban centers, as the United States turns over security to Iraqi police and soldiers.

Network News