SULAIMANI (ESTA) — The United States agreed in talks on Wednesday with Iraq to remove all remaining combat forces deployed to fight Islamic State (ISIS) militants, but U.S. forces will still provide training, according to a joint statement.
Iraq and the U.S. said the Iraqi military had made substantial improvements, following a first “strategic dialogue” between the two nations under President Joe Biden.
“The parties confirmed that the mission of U.S. and Coalition forces has now transitioned to one focused on training and advisory tasks, thereby allowing for the redeployment of any remaining combat forces from Iraq, with the timing to be established in upcoming technical talks,” said a joint statement after the virtual strategic dialogue.
“The transition of U.S. and other international forces away from combat operations to training, equipping and assisting the ISF [Iraqi Security Forces] reflects the success of their strategic partnership and ensures support to the ISF’s continued efforts to ensure ISIS can never again threaten Iraq’s stability,” the joint statement said.
According to the Pentagon, the number of U.S. troops in Iraq has dropped to about 2,500 over the past months.
Iraq also pledged to protect bases with U.S.-led forces, who Washing ton said were present “solely in support of Iraq’s effort in the fight against ISIS”.
Iraqi bases hosting U.S.-led Coalition troops have been attacked with rockets in the past months. The United States blames Shia paramilitary groups linked to Iran.
