SYDNEY, Australia, June 1, SPA -- An Australian Defense Department spokesperson says the nation's troops in Iraq areofficially ending combat operations Sunday. Troops were holding a ceremony that included lowering theAustralian flag, which had flown over Camp Terendak inTalil, southern Iraq, the spokesperson was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. The move fulfills a campaign promise of Prime MinisterKevin Rudd, who was elected last November, to bringAustralia's 550 combat troops home by the middle of thisyear. Several hundred other troops remain there insupporting roles such as guarding diplomats.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/561124