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    December 02, 2011

Camp Victory Now Controlled by Iraq

   VOA News
   A U.S. army soldiers walks past military armored vehicles are ready to
   be shipped out of Iraq at Camp Victory Baghdad, Iraq, November 7, 2011.
   Photo: AP
   A U.S. army soldiers walks past military armored vehicles are ready to
   be shipped out of Iraq at Camp Victory Baghdad, Iraq, November 7, 2011.

   The base that once served as headquarters for the U.S. military in Iraq
   is now under Iraqi control.
   A United States military spokesman said U.S. officials handed over Camp
   Victory to Iraq Friday, after officials from both countries signed the
   necessary paperwork. There was no formal handover ceremony.
   About 13,000 U.S. troops remain in Iraq, but are scheduled to leave by
   the end of the month. The pullout will end a military presence that
   began with the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled former dictator
   Saddam Hussein.
   Camp Victory, a sprawling U.S. military compound on the outskirts of
   Baghdad, had served as U.S. military headquarters in Iraq since
   soldiers with the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division fought their way
   into the grounds around the capital's airport nearly nine years ago.
   At its height, the base was home to more than 40,000 troops and
   military-related personal.
   The sprawling base was built on and around a lavish place complex
   constructed by late Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.
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