Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says the end of American combat operations leaves his country independent and an equal to the United States. He assured his people their own security forces will protect them.

U.S. troop levels are cut to 50,000 before the partly symbolic deadline of Aug. 31 set by President Barack Obama.

The six remaining U.S. brigades will turn their focus to training Iraqi police and troops as Iraq takes charge of its own destiny ahead of a full U.S. withdrawal by the end of next year.

General Qassim Atta, spokesperson of Baghdad security plan, says Iraqi security forces will assume additional responsibilities after U.S. forces draw down.

“Today, the U.S. combat forces were completely withdrawn from Iraq, it refers that Iraqi security forces will assume the full security responsibility. Iraqi security forces will hold additional responsibilities from now on, after it used to rely on U.S. forces”, said Qassim.

Atta expected to face a big challenge in the coming days, especially when al-Qaeda and armed troops are trying to show capabilities despite attacks that targeted al-Qaeda leaders.

Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari says Iraqi forces will be able to maintain security in Iraq.

“I believe Iraq and Iraqi security forces are capable of relying on themselves, of taking care of their own affairs, for maintaining internal security in Iraq”, said Zebari.

Almost a trillion US dollars have been spent and more than 4,400 American soldiers as well as over 100,000 Iraqi civilians have been killed since the 2003 invasion.

U.S. officials said Washington had a long-term commitment to Iraq, and the military pullback would allow diplomats to take the lead in building economic, cultural and educational ties.