The US says, it is on target to end combat operations in Iraq by the end of August and meet its deadline for removing all troops by the end of 2011. The White House said President Obama was satisfied with the progress Iraq had made, which would allow US troops to transfer security to local forces. The US currently has 64,000 soldiers stationed in Iraq. About 50,000 will stay until the end of 2011 to advise Iraqi forces and protect US interests. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Mr Obama had been briefed on the situation by the US commander in Iraq gen Ray Odierno. Mr Gibbs said we have already removed over 80,000 troops from Iraq since President Obama took office.