Japanese troops complete withdrawal from Iraq

Japanese troops have completed their withdrawal from Iraq, ending their first military mission in a conflict since World War 2.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said he had received a report that the nation's ground self-defence forces working in Samawa has successfully completed their withdrawal.

He said the troops had ended their humanitarian support activities safely, and didn't fire a single bullet or turn their guns on anyone during the deployment

The Japanese Prime Minister ordered the 600 Japanese troops to leave Iraq on June 20.

His decision came after Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced that his government would assume responsibility for security in the province.

Japan's mission relied on British and Australian troops for protection as its own troops are barred from using force.