Korean troops stationed in northern Iraq's Irbil area have started their withdrawal and held a handover ceremony on Wednesday.

The Zaytun Unit will donate a number of facilities and supplies before it completes its pullout from the region as well as a hospital and vocational school to the Kurdistan Regional Government for local citizens to use.

The troops will withdraw completely before Dec. 20, ending a reconstruction mission that began in September 2004 in the Kurdish-controlled Iraqi city. Zaytun troops rebuilt schools, roads and provided humanitarian aid during their four-year deployment.

The Daiman support unit deployed in Kuwait will also be returning home this month.

Arirang News