BAGHDAD, June 1 (UPI) -- Australia Sunday ended its combat mission in Iraq and turned over its responsibilities in southern Iraq to the U.S. military, officials said.
About 550 Australian troops -- who primarily were involved in training and back-up for Iraqi forces -- formally transferred their duties in a ceremony at Camp Talil, British military spokesman Capt. Chris Ford told the Los Angeles Times.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had pledged during his successful 2007 campaign that he would end Australia's combat role in Iraq. Rudd's government plans to leave several hundred troops in Iraq to guard diplomats and perform other functions, the Times said.
Australia also plans to commit two maritime surveillance aircraft and a warship to help provide security for oil platforms.
Poland has announced it will end its military presence in Iraq this year. Spain was the first U.S. ally to withdraw its forces from the Iraq operation when it pulled out in 2004.
