US withdraws from Iraqi cities

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Iraqi forces have assumed formal control of Baghdad and other cities after American troops handed over security in urban areas on Tuesday.

U.S. General Daniel Bolger (1st L), commander of US forces in Baghdad, hands over a symbolic key to General Abud Qambar, commander of Baghdad Operation Command, during a hand-over ceremony in Baghdad, capital of Iraq, June 29, 2009. June 30 is the deadline for U.S. combat troops to withdraw from major cities in Iraq. (Xinhua Photo)

The move is seen as a defining step towards ending the US combat role in the country.

An official hand-over of military command in an Iraqi city.

After 6 years in Iraq, US troops are finally returning control of urban areas to Iraqis.

According to a security agreement, US combat troops must withdraw from Iraqi cities by June 30. The pact further requires all American forces to leave the country by the end of 2011.

Some American troops will remain in cities as trainers and advisers. But the bulk of the more than 130-thousand US troops in Iraq have assembled in large bases outside urban centers.

Although there are fears of a surge of violence, the Iraqis are confident they are ready to do the job.

The Iraqi government has also declared Tuesday a public holiday -- "National Sovereignty Day" -- that will be marked by festivities.