US troops prepare for Baghdad pull-out

Last Updated: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:12:00 +1000

American combat troops will pull out of Iraq's cities and main towns next week as the country takes charge of its own security.

As preparations got under way, a bomb attack in the capital, Baghdad, killed more than 60 people.

Most American troops will retreat to their main bases and only re-enter urban areas if Iraqi security forces ask for their support.

Formal handover ceremonies will take place next Monday.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki warned that terrorists are likely to increase their attacks in a bid to undermine confidence in the Iraqi security forces.

The evidence was a blast in a crowded market in Baghdad, that killed 62 people and inured 150.

Violence had dropped in recent months, but attacks remain common, particularly in Baghdad and Mosul.

The explosion was in the predominantly Shi'ite neighbourhood of Sadr City.

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