The top US commander in Iraq on Thursday told Congress that he expected to recommend further troop withdrawals this summer following the unwinding of the military “surge”.

General David Petraeus said recent reductions in violence should allow him to recommend that the US resume withdrawing troops after the summer. Last month the four-star general – who has been credited with the success of the surge – recommended that the Pentagon have a 45-day pause to assess the impact of the departure of the additional forces.