Downsize: 2,000 Surge Troops From Legendary 82nd Airborne Return Home
82nd Airborne in action
Baghdad (AFP) March 6, 2008
Some 2,000 US soldiers whose unit was part of last year’s surge to bring stability to Iraq are leaving the country and not being replaced, the US military said Thursday.
The soldiers, a brigade of paratroopers from the storied 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, were deployed in Iraq in early January 2007.
“During this time, the 2nd Brigade was part of the initial surge of five additional brigades into Iraq,” a statement said.
Washington deployed around 30,000 extra troops to rein in sectarian bloodshed that had left tens of thousands of people killed.
Once the brigade re-deploys, “the number of US combat brigades in Iraq will drop from 19 to 18, with three additional brigades scheduled to redeploy by July. The unit will not be replaced,” the statement read.
The redeployment “represents the increased capability and progress being made in Iraq by the Iraqi security forces to provide their own security,” said said Colonel Billy Buckner, a spokesman for US-led forces in Iraq.
The US military currently has 158,000 troops deployed in the country.
Be respectful of others and their opinions. Inflammatory remarks and inane leftist drivel will be deleted. It ain’t about free speech, remember you’re in a private domain. My website, my prerogative.
If you can't handle using your real email address, don't bother posting a comment.
Welcome Home!
March 8th, 2008 at 7:41 amEnjoy your stay, get some rest & stay prepared men!
Your bravery, patriotism and ability to endure are greatly appreciated by those of us on the right side of the issues.
March 8th, 2008 at 9:32 am