Guide Note

On June 1, 2008, Australia's combat forces began withdrawing from Iraq.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd ordered the withdrawal, following through on a campaign promise made during his successful November 2007 race against John Howard.

Fast Facts

1. 550 Australian troops leaving Iraq
2. Troops pulling out of base in Tallil
3. About 300 troops will stay in Iraq for logistical support
4. 2003: Australia one of first countries to send troops into Iraq
5. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd ordered withdrawal
6. Ex-Prime Minister John Howard says Australia's involvement in the Iraq War was justified

1. "Have further terrorist attacks been prevented? No, they have not been, as the victims of the Madrid train bombing will attest. Has any evidence of a link between weapons of mass destruction and the former Iraqi regime and terrorists been found? No."— Kevin Rudd, Australian prime minister
2. ""If I had been returned at the last election we would not have been bringing (troops) home, we would have been looking at transitioning them from their soon-to-be terminated role to a training role."— John Howard, former Australian prime minister