United States military spokesman Rear
Admiral Gregory Smith on Saturday announced that about 5,000 United
States troops will be pulled out of Iraq on Nov. 27, owing to the
stabilized condition in the once war torn Diyala province in the region.
This
developed as President George W. Bush earlier confirmed the withdrawal
plan to be made in batches including the marine expeditionary unit and
the combat brigade who were deployed in the Iraq at the height of
Al-Qaeda attacks in recent years.
The
U.S. sent some 280,000 troops in the Islamic country, but Bush said
that the country would reduce the number to "pre-surge" levels and
would just retain 130,000 troops.
"Current
conditions allow for a withdrawal of the first unit, the Grey Wolf
Brigade, starting on Nov. 27. The drawdown was an indication of
"overall improved security within Iraq as well as the improved
capabilities of the Iraqi security forces," Smith was quoted as saying
by BBC News.
By July of next year four army combat brigades and two marine battalions are also expected to be sent home.(ahn)
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