The Iraq War's 'quiet' end: By the numbers

An understated ceremony in Baghdad marks the end of a mission that lasted nearly nine years, claimed the lives over 4,000 U.S. soldiers, and divided our nation

One of the last American combat units leaves Iraq
(Image credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

America's long, contentious war in Iraq came to a "quiet" end Thursday. In a "muted ceremony" in Baghdad, U.S. troops lowered the flag of command that flew over the headquarters of the U.S. mission for a final time. "After a lot of blood spilled by Iraqis and Americans, the mission of an Iraq that could govern and secure itself has become real," Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said at the ceremony. Here's a by-the-numbers look at the bloodshed and monetary toll:

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