US troops to continue combat operations in Iraq

Baghdad: A US military spokesman said American forces will still conduct combat operations even after they pull back to bases outside Baghdad and other cities as part of the US-Iraqi security agreement.

Brigadier General Frederick Rudesheim said the redeployment to the periphery will actually help improve security in the capital because US troops can help stop militants from using bases in rural areas to stage urban attacks.

Rudesheim told reporters on Sunday that there will be "no cessation of combat operations" after the June 30 deadline to pull back most American forces from cities.

He also said US military transition teams will remain in Baghdad and other cities to help train Iraqi security forces there.