Bush plans to bring home 5,700 troops by Christmas

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Source: CCTV.com | 09-14-2007 13:11

US President George W. Bush has outlined what he calls successes following a surge of troops in Iraq. Bush says he plans to pull some of those troops out. He made the remarks during a prime-time live speech to his country on Thursday.

President Bush has touted what he calls the achievements following his January launch of additional troops to Iraq.

A top US commander in Iraq told Congress this week, the campaign has met its military goals of reducing sectarian killings by half.

Bush has ordered gradual troop reductions, embracing recommendations by top commander, General David Petraeus.

Bush said, "He has recommended that we not replace about 2,200 Marines scheduled to leave Anbar Province later this month. In addition, he says it will soon be possible to bring home an Army combat brigade, for a total force reduction of 5,700 troops by Christmas. And he expects that by July, we will be able to reduce our troop levels in Iraq from 20 combat bridges to 15."