Mr Eliasson said UN peacekeepers would only be deployed after the "combat phase" of the operation was over.

BBC: Mali 'hesitant' over UN peacekeeping force

As a result, one week from tomorrow, the U.S. combat phase of that war will close.

WHITEHOUSE: An Obligation to Those Who Serve

But the bottom line is, is that our combat phase is now over.

WHITEHOUSE: Ending the War, Saluting the Troops