Baghdad, Jan 24 (DPA) The last US Marines operating in Iraq withdrew from the country Saturday following a ceremony in Ramadi, 100 km west of Baghdad, according to US military sources in Iraq.

The departing forces of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force handed over command for the region to the 1st Armored Division of the US Army. While the Marines are leaving, US military forces are set to remain in Iraq through 2011.