The final convoy of US troops has left Iraq and arrived in Kuwait -- where they'll stay until they're sent home for Christmas. The exit on Sunday morning marks the completion of the US military withdrawal from the country, after a nine-year war that ended Saddam Hussein's regime.

The final section of the last American military convoy to depart Iraq from the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.

Heading home for Christmas- As the sun rose over the desert on Sunday, trucks carrying soldiers and weaponry could still be seen streaming across the Iraq - Kuwait border.

The US Army's 500-strong Third Brigade made the hour-long drive to Kuwait, for a short stopover, before returning to the US.

Among them was US soldier, Brittany Hampton. Brittany Hampton said, "I'm excited, happy and I can't wait to tell my family.” The pullout opens a new phase of uncertainty for Iraq.

Iraq's army now has full control of the country's security - some ten days earlier than US President Barack Obama's December 31st deadline.

On Thursday, US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta attended a flag-lowering ceremony at a military base west of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, marking the end of US military involvement in Iraq.

The final section of the last American military convoy to depart Iraq from the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.

Leon Panetta said, "Today, some five years later, and after a great deal of blood has been spilled by both Iraqis and Americans, the mission of an Iraq that could finally govern and secure itself, has become real. The Iraqi army and police have been rebuilt and they are capable of responding to threats. Violence levels are down, al Qaeda has been weakened, rule of law has been strengthened."

There are now only 157 US soldiers left in Iraq. They'll be based at the US embassy and will mainly be responsible for training. A small contingent of marines has also stayed behind to protect the embassy compound.

Panetta says the war has set Iraq on a path to democracy. But controversy still rages over the reasons given for the initial invasion in 2003. And the question now, is whether or not the Iraqi security forces are up to the task of maintaining peace and stability -- in a country that has seen so much conflict and bloodshed through recent decades.