In a conference call from Iraq Thursday, 3rd ID Commander Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo told reporters the 22,000 troops under his command in northern Iraq will draw down to 9,000 by Sept. 1. Cucolo said his combat troops’ mission is in transition. For more on this story, pick up a copy of Friday's Coastal Courier.
Troop drawdown from Iraq progressing
Cucolo: Iraqis taking charge, U.S. advising