BAGHDAD, March 15, SPA -- A U.S. military spokesman says Americanforces will still conduct combat operations even after theypull back to bases outside Baghdad and other cities as partof the U.S.-Iraqi security agreement, Associated Press reported. Brig. Gen. Frederick Rudesheim says the redeployment tothe periphery will actually help improve security in thecapital because U.S. troops can help stop militants fromusing bases in rural areas to stage urban attacks. Rudesheim told reporters Sunday that there will be «nocessation of combat operations» after the June 30 deadlineto pull back most American forces from cities. He also says U.S. military transition teams will remain inBaghdad and other cities to help train Iraqi securityforces there.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/644484