Honduras Starts Its Pullout of Troops in Iraq
Honduran troops in Iraq have started to withdraw and are expected to be out of the country in about two weeks, a coalition military official said Tuesday.
“The process is ongoing and is to be finished by May 27,” said a spokesman for the Polish-led international contingent across southern and central Iraq, where the Hondurans were deployed.
Honduran President Ricardo Maduro, visiting Japan, said some Honduran troops had already left Iraq.
About 160 Honduran soldiers have arrived in Kuwait, where they are expected to be joined soon by the 210 Honduran troops still in Iraq, Honduran Defense Ministry sources said.
Honduras, a close ally of the U.S., sent troops to Iraq in mid-2003 as peacekeepers.
The troops, originally set to stay until their mandate expired in July, have been clearing mines and providing medical care.
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