After nearly nine years of conflict in Iraq, United States President Barack Obama announced Friday that the war will cease by year’s end.

Obama expressed his confidence that the nation will be left “strong and enduring” once U.S. forces have left. CNN reports that nearly 39,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Iraq and that, despite previous interest to keep some behind after 2011, virtually all will be returning home for the holidays.

Obama held a press conference Friday morning for the announcement. A steady departure of U.S. forces will occur over the course of the next two months.