US Defence Secretary makes surprise visit to Iraq

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates landed early on Wednesday in Iraq as the US officially ends combat mission there. He is scheduled to attend the change of command ceremony for the US forces. The withdrawal leaves less than 50,000 soldiers on the ground to train and advise Iraqi forces.

Reuters/Jim Watson

General Ray Odierno, the top US commander in Iraq since taking over from General David Petraeus in 2008, is stepping down to be replaced by Lieutenant General Lloyd Austin.

On Tuesday, US President Barack Obama officially announced the end of the US combat mission in Iraq, more than seven years after his predecessor George W. Bush launched the war.

"Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country," Obama said in the 18-minute address marking the transition of the US mission in Iraq.

In a speech in Wisconsin, Gates was cautious in celebrating the exit, saying that it was too early for victory parades.

"I am not saying that all is, or will necessarily be, well in Iraq," he said.

A total of 426 Iraqis - 295 of them civlians - were killed in August, according to government figures released Wednesday. The death toll is the highest since May 2008. Three US soldiers died in August, bringing the total US losses to 4,416 since the  2003 invasion.

The United States is leaving Iraq with a power vacuum at its head as Iraqi politicians have failed to form a government since elections in March.

While Iraqis welcome the withdrawal, many say the US were unable to secure the country before leaving, which continues to be marred by bombings and insecurity.