Last American combat brigade drives out of Iraq through Kuwait

Last US combat brigade leaves Iraq through Kuwait

KHABARI CROSSING, Kuwait — A U.S. military spokesman says the last American combat brigade is leaving Iraq.

Capt. Christopher Ophardt, spokesman for the 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, says the last of the unit’s vehicles were crossing the border into Kuwait early Thursday.

America’s combat role in the country ends on Aug. 31. Most of the brigade’s 4,000 soldiers have been driving out of Iraq in their armored vehicles. A few hundred members stayed behind to finish administrative and logistical duties but will fly out of Baghdad later Thursday.

About 50,000 troops will stay in Iraq until the end of next year.