BAGHDAD (June 29, 2009)--Iraqi forces are now in control of security for Baghdad and other cities.

As required by an agreement with the U.S. Iraqi TV broadcast a countdown clock for the midnight deadline.

Fireworks lit the Baghdad skyline and thousands attended a party in a park where singers performed patriotic songs.

The top American military commander in the Middle East is expressing confidence in Iraqi security forces as U.S. combat troops to withdraw from Iraqi cities.

Gen. David Petraeus’ comments come despite a string of deadly bombings that have killed more than 250 people in a little more than a week.

After a meeting with Egypt's president in Cairo, Petraeus acknowledged, "there will be challenges," but he said Iraqis are ready to take over.

In Baghdad, speakers mounted at police stations and military checkpoints played patriotic songs in celebration of the milestone.

Military vehicles patrolling the capital were decorated with flowers and Iraqi flags.

Some Americans will remain in the cities as trainers and advisers, but the bulk of the more than 130,000 U.S. troops in Iraq have assembled in large bases outside urban centers.

Under a security agreement between Washington and Baghdad, all American forces must leave the country by the end of 2011.

Meanwhile Monday, the military said a Multi-National Division - Baghdad soldier died Sunday.

A military statement said the soldier's death is under investigation.

At least 4,319 members of the U.S. military have died in the Iraq war since it began in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count.