Vice President Joe Biden said this afternoon that the killing of two Al Qaeda leaders is a “milestone” that shows the Iraqi people are standing up to terrorists and lays the groundwork for smooth transition to full troop withdrawal this summer.
Biden said the Iraqi forces are proving they are ready for the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops, on track for August.
Biden, making a rare statement to reporters in the White House briefing room, said the successful mission shows the Iraqis’ future “will not be shaped by those who seek to destroy the country.”
He also paid tribute to the soldier killed during the mission, but did not name the person because their family hadn’t yet been notified.
“We remain committed to end our combat in Iraq by August 2010,” Biden said, with all troops out by Dec. 31 2011.
He said the mission and cooperation with U.S. forces signals a “lasting partnership” with the Iraqi people.
