MANILA - The United States has begun to pull out its 12,000-strong force and aircraft from Yolanda-hit areas. The US contingent had been helping devastated areas for three weeks. Captain Rafael Mariano of the multinational cooperating center commended the US forces, saying it would have taken the Philippine government longer to respond had the US not extended assistance immediately. Other foreign troops are also expected to leave soon. Yolanda left 5,719 dead and over 1,700 still missing. ANC DATELINE PHILIPPINES, December 4, 2013