The last convoy to leave Iraq

The last convoy to leave Iraq

Advertisement

Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division prepare their Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAP) before departing Camp Adder during the US military's withdrawal from Iraq.

The last convoy of U.S. soldiers pulled out of Iraq ending nearly nine years of war that cost almost 4,500 American and tens of thousands of Iraqi lives and left the country still grappling with political uncertainty.

. Nasiriyah, Iraq. Reuters/Lucas Jackson

Captain Mark Askew gives his soldiers a mission brief before leaving Camp Adder. Audio by Captain Marik Askew 18 DEC 2011.

. Nasiriyah, Iraq. Reuters/Lucas Jackson

Specialist Erik Jackson works to fix a light in a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.

. Nasiriyah, Iraq. Reuters/Lucas Jackson

Captain Chris Prange reads a book in the back of a MRAP vehicle.

. Nasiriyah, Iraq. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

Soldiers sit inside their MRAP..

. Nasiriyah, Iraq. Reuters/Lucas Jackson

Sets of body armor rest on the ground.

. Nasiriyah, Iraq. Reuters/Lucas Jackson

The sun sets over an empty staging area in Camp Adder.