Rice Reveals Cut in US Troops in Iraq

Us secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said the US could withdraw a significant number of troops from Iraq this year – if Iraqi forces are able to assume greater control of the country’s security. ‘I think it’s entirely probable that we will see a significant drawdown of American forces over the next year… it’s all dependent on events on the ground,’ the chief American diplomat said.

There are now about 133,000 American troops in Iraq. Military officials have expressed hope they can reduce the number below 100,000 by the end of the year.

Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said last week he did anticipate a drawdown of US troops this year.