BEIJING, Feb. 4 -- The United States will withdraw 15 thousand troops from Iraq, reducing its military force to 135 thousand in the country.

    Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz announced to the Senate armed services committee that the 15 thousand soldiers' duties were extended for the Iraq elections and they are due to return home in March.

    He adds that the U.S. military is making every effort to train Iraqi security forces but stated that "much work clearly needs to be done".

    In addition, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Richard Myers, who also attended the hearing, says the US has yet to assess the combat capabilities of 136 thousand trained Iraqi soldiers.

    (Source:CRIENGLISH.com)