Special report: Tension escalates in Iraq

    BAGHDAD, May 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. military said Tuesday it will withdraw 3,500 soldiers deployed in Iraq earlier last year as part of the "surge" aimed at curbing insurgency and sectarian violence.

    "Approximately, 3,500 soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division are redeploying to Fort Benning, Georgia, in the next several weeks," the military said in a statement.

The U.S. military said Tuesday it will withdraw 3,500 soldiers deployed in Iraq earlier last year as part of the "surge" aimed at curbing insurgency and sectarian violence.(Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    The troops helped to bring stability and normal life to people in areas in the south of Baghdad province east of Diyala River, the statement said.

    "The continued drawdown of surge Brigades demonstrates continued progress in Iraq," said Brig. Gen. Dan Allyn, chief of staff of Multi-National Corps - Iraq.

    "After July, commanders will assess our security posture for about 45 days and determine future force requirements," Allyn said.

    Early in 2007, President George W. Bush increased the number of U.S. troops in Iraq by some 30,000 to provide security and prevent civil war in the war-torn country.

    Washington said it wants to pull out its 30,000 extra troops by July and have a 45-day evaluation period before considering the level of its roughly 160,000 troops in the country.