USA President Barack Obama has announced that the U.S. combat mission in Iraq is over. The president said Tuesday America’s new mission is to advise and assist Iraq’s security forces.
Seven-and-a-half years after U.S. forces invaded Iraq, President Obama thanked the troops for their service and announced that their combat mission has concluded. “Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country,” he said.
In only the second Oval Office address of his presidency since taking office, Mr. Obama did not declare victory, but said the move to a new mission is underway. “Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibility. Now, it is time to turn the page,” the president said.