BAGHDAD — The number of U.S. troops in Iraq fell below 50,000 for the first time since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion and ahead of the end-of-the-month deadline mandated by President Barack Obama, the American military said today in a statement.

The number is a watershed in the more than seven years the United States has been at war in Iraq. Under Obama's plan, American forces will no longer conduct combat operations but are instead to focus on training Iraqi troops.

"We've met our goal," Gen. Ray Odierno, the commanding general in Iraq, told reporters today. "But the story is not about 50,000. The story is that we are continuing to be committed to Iraq. But our commitment is going to change."

Odierno said going forward, the focus will be on economic, political, cultural and technological developments as opposed to just the military relationship.

There are currently 49,700 troops in Iraq, and that number will remain level through next summer, Odierno said.

The drawdown comes at a fragile moment in Iraq's history when many are wondering whether the country's tenuous security and democracy gains are at risk of backsliding. The country has gone almost half a year without a new government following the March 7 parliamentary elections.

The elections failed to produce a clear winner to lead Iraq as American forces withdraw, and frequent attacks by insurgents are raising doubts about the ability of Iraqi forces to protect the country in the absence of American backup.

American officials have said repeatedly their decision to continue with the drawdown — despite the absence of a new government in Iraq — reflects the improved security situation in recent years.