US army in Iraq has officially ended its war in Iraq
The American army in Iraq has officially ended its war in Iraq with the furling and covering of its military flag at a ceremony in Baghdad.
Addressing the remaining troops, the US Defence Secretary, Leon Panetta, said no words could pay tribute to the sacrifices made during nearly nine years of military presence in the country.
He said the cost was high for both the US and Iraqis, but had given birth to a free and sovereign Iraq.
The 4,000 US troops still in Iraq will complete their withdrawal in the next few days, although some military trainers and private contractors will stay on.
John Simpson reports.
15 Dec 2011
- From the section Middle East