Last Japanese Troops Leave Iraq

The withdrawal of Japanese military hardware from Iraq began in June (epa) July 17, 2006 -- Japan's Defense Agency said today that the last of its troops deployed in Iraq have left the country.

Some 200 Japanese troops arrived on July 17 at Kuwait's Ali Al Salem Air Base from the Iraqi province of Samawah.

Japan deployed 600 soldiers in Iraq starting in 2004 as part of the U.S.-led multinational force.

(AP)