After a 7-1/2 year combat mission, the US presence nears its end

BAGHDAD - The US military is holding steady in its aim to reduce troop numbers in Iraq to 50,000 by Aug 31, when the 7-1/2 year US combat mission launched by former President George W. Bush comes to an official close.

The last US brigade officially classed as a combat unit formally handed over responsibilities to its Iraqi counterparts on Aug 7, but US troops have been steadily flowing out of the country on transport aircraft and by road for a year.