The base that once served as headquarters for the U.S. military in Iraq is now under Iraqi control.

A United States military spokesman said U.S. officials handed over Camp Victory to Iraq Friday, after officials from both countries signed the necessary paperwork. There was no formal handover ceremony.

About 13,000 U.S. troops remain in Iraq, but are scheduled to leave by the end of the month. The pullout will end a military presence that began with the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled former dictator Saddam Hussein.

Camp Victory, a sprawling U.S. military compound on the outskirts of Baghdad, had served as U.S. military headquarters in Iraq since soldiers with the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division fought their way into the grounds around the capital's airport nearly nine years ago.

At its height, the base was home to more than 40,000 troops and military-related personal.

The sprawling base was built on and around a lavish place complex constructed by late Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.