Obama confirms plan for US troop withdrawal from Iraq by 31st August
US President Barack Obama has confirmed the end of all combat operations in Iraq by 31 August.
Some 50,000 of 65,000 US troops currently in Iraq are set to remain until the end of 2011 to advise Iraqi forces and protect US interests.
Mr Obama is making his announcement in a speech to disabled veterans in Atlanta, Georgia.
It comes amid a dispute between the US and Baghdad over the latest casualty numbers in Iraq.
According to the US military, 222 people died in attacks last month. Baghdad says 535 lost their lives - which would make July the deadliest month in the country for more than two years.
The US released its own figure after Baghdad's estimate prompted concern that insurgents were exploiting a post-election power vacuum - and would wreak more havoc as the US withdraws more troops.
The US offered no full explanation as to why its casualty figures differed so markedly from those issues by the Iraqi authorities.
Ongoing uncertainty
In his speech at the national convention of the Disabled American Veterans, Mr Obama is expected to emphasise his commitment to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as veterans of both conflicts.
In excerpts of the speech released by the White House in advance, the president says: "Our commitment in Iraq is changing, from a military effort led by our troops to a civilian effort led by our diplomats.
"Shortly after taking office, I announced our new strategy for Iraq and for a transition to full Iraqi responsibility, and I made it clear that by 31 August, 2010, America's combat mission in Iraq would end.
"And that is exactly what we are doing, as promised, on schedule."
Since an inconclusive legislative election in March, Sunni, Shia and Kurdish factions that won most seats have disagreed about who should be the next Iraqi prime minister.
Fears have been rising that the ongoing political uncertainty could hinder the plans for a full US full military departure by the end of 2011.
While the US has been scaling down its troop presence in Iraq it has been stepping up its military commitment to Afghanistan, with the president ordering a surge of 30,000 additional soldiers there.
Iraq War Quick Facts
31 August will mark the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom
Baghdad reports 535 dead in July
50,000 US troops to remain until end of 2011
US troops scheduled to occupy 94 bases in Iraq by the end of August
Obama confirms plan for US troop withdrawal from Iraq by 31st August
