Pentagon announces plan to reduce Iraq troops

Plans call for a one-third reduction in forces in 2006.

The force, which has consisted of approximately 140,000 troops for long periods, spiking to as much as 160,000 for elections, will be reduced to 92,000 troops “as presently envisioned,” the Pentagon announced.

The rotations, the DOD cautioned, can be tailored based upon changes in the security situation.

“We’ve announced the bulk of the rotation but not the entire rotation because this recognizes the evolving security situation in Iraq,” said Defense Department spokesman Lt. Col. Barry Venable.