Barack Obama officially declares end of Iraq combat mission

US President Barack Obama has officially announced the end of military operation in Iraq, saying that “the United States has paid a huge price to put the future of Iraq in the hands of its people” in his televised address to the American people from the Oval Office.

"Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country,” said Obama.

Obama hailed American troops for their sacrifices in a conflict that has thus far cost more than 4,400 American lives. He said that improving the economy and putting Americans back to work is "the most urgent task," describing that goal as "the central mission as a people."