US troops pull back from Iraqi cities

IRAQ regained full control if its towns and cities yesterday as US troops pulled back, six years after the invasion to topple Saddam Hussein.

Though some Iraqis fear the first step in a full US withdrawal may leave them open to attack, the government declared “National Sovereignty Day” a holiday and held a military parade to flex its muscles at a still stubborn insurgency.

“This day, which we consider a national celebration, is an achievement made by all Iraqis,” Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said in a televised address, as citizens drove around the streets with flags and plastic flowers draped over their cars.