"We will continue our close coooperation with our NATO ally Spain in fighting the war against terror," White House spokesman Ken Lisaius said.

"We will work with our coalition partners in Iraq and the Spanish government and expect they will implement their decision in a coordinated, responsible and orderly manner."

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero earlier announced Spain would withdraw its troops as soon as possible and "with maximum security."

US officials said they were not surprised by Zapatero's announcement. The socialist politician vowed during the election that he would remove Spain's 1,300 troops from Iraq.

Officials said Zapatero's decision was expected.

"We knew from the recent Spanish elections that it was the new prime minister's intention to withdraw Spanish troops from the coalition in Iraq," Lisaius said.

A senior State Department official said the new Spanish government informed the United States of the decision after the cabinet met, but before making the public announcement.

WAR.WIRE