By SPA
Sydney : Australia’s 550 combat troops in Iraq were told Wednesday their work was done and they would be home by June.
According to DPA, Armed Forces head Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said Iraqi troops had not called for Australian backup for two years.
“It’s been a very pleasing outcome,” Houston said. “We have achieved our objectives in southern Iraq and, frankly, if you look at the two provinces, it’s time to leave.”
Australian troops have been in Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003.
Houston said Australia would still be engaged with Iraq through a training programme.