WASHINGTON (Aug. 31, 2010) -- President Barack Obama today announced the official end to combat operations in Iraq during a prime-time Oval Office address, declaring "a new beginning" for the Iraqi people.
"Operation Iraqi Freedom is over," Obama said, speaking just hours after the launch of Operation New Dawn in Iraq. "The Iraqi people now have the lead responsibility for the security of their country".
Obama offered high praise for the men and women in uniform whose service and sacrifice led to this "historic moment" in time.
"The Americans who have served in Iraq completed every mission they were given," he said. "They defeated a regime that had terrorized its people. Together with Iraqis and coalition partners who made huge sacrifices of their own, our troops fought block-by-block to help Iraq seize the chance for a better future".
That effort came at tremendous cost, he said, noting more than 4,400 U.S. troops killed and thousands more wounded during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"Ending this war is not only in Iraq's interest; it is in our own," Obama said. "The United States has paid a huge price to put the future of Iraq in the hands of its people. We have sent our young men and women to make enormous sacrifices in Iraq and spent vast resources abroad at a time of tight budgets home".
"We have persevered because of a belief we share with the Iraqi people: a belief that out of the ashes of war, a new beginning could be born in this cradle of civilization," he continued.
"Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibility," he said. "Now, it is time to turn the page".
Obama outlined the future role of the transitional force of U.S. troops to remain in Iraq through December 2011. They'll advise and assist Iraqi security forces, support Iraqi troops in targeted counterterrorism missions and protect U.S. civilians.
"Consistent with our agreement with the Iraqi government, all U.S. troops will leave by the end of next year," he said.
U.S. Army
