Australia to end role in Iraq

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Source: The Australian

THE official end of Australia's involvement in the war in Iraq has been marked with little fanfare.

In a low-key statement released today, on the eve of the federal Budget, Defence announced Australia would conclude its military commitment to Iraq on July 31, more than six years after the war began on March 20, 2003.

During those six years, two Australian soldiers died, though not in combat or on operational duty.

The start of the war was a much bigger occasion, with then prime minister John Howard informing the nation of his decision in a televised address.

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