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4 US Troops Killed During Iraqi City Pullout

By the Associated Press

Posted Jun 30, 2009 6:50 AM CDT
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(AP) – Four US soldiers were killed in combat shortly before the American military completed a withdrawal from Iraq's cities last night. But prime minister Nouri al-Maliki assured Iraqis in a televised address today that government forces are in control: "Those who think that Iraqis are not able to protect their country and that the withdrawal of foreign forces will create a security vacuum are committing a big mistake."

The military said the four soldiers who were killed served with the Multi-National Division-Baghdad but did not provide further details pending notification of their families. There was a significant spike in violence in the lead-up to the June 30 withdrawal. More than 250 people were killed in a series of bombings, including one on June 20 that left 81 dead outside a mosque in northern Iraq and another in a Baghdad market on June 24 that killed 78. Maliki has blamed the attacks on al-Qaeda in Iraq and the remnants of Saddam Hussein's Baath party.

Iraqi security forces celebrate the departure of US troops in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, June 29, 2009.
Iraqi security forces celebrate the departure of US troops in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, June 29, 2009.   (Karim Kadim)
Iraqi National Police patrol in central Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, June 30, 2009.
Iraqi National Police patrol in central Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, June 30, 2009.   (Hadi Mizban)
Iraqis celebrate in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, June 29, 2009, to mark the milestone of US troops leaving Iraqi cities.
Iraqis celebrate in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, June 29, 2009, to mark the milestone of US troops leaving Iraqi cities.   (Khalid Mohammed)
Iraqi security forces celebrate in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, June 29, 2009.
Iraqi security forces celebrate in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, June 29, 2009.   (Karim Kadim)
US Army soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment are inspected before a patrol in Baqouba, Iraq, Monday, June 29, 2009.
US Army soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment are inspected before a patrol in Baqouba, Iraq, Monday, June 29, 2009.   (Maya Alleruzzo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Reader65069154
Jul 2, 2009 12:44 PM CDT
Didn't BO promise to begin immediate withdrawal of US troops when he assumed the presidency? I'd be stunned if there was 1 less brigade there by the end of the year.
Mad
Jun 30, 2009 9:37 AM CDT
Good to know 'we' won over there

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Iraq • Baghdad • United States • US military • troop withdrawal • attack • Iraq exit strategy

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