U.S. to reduce military mission in Iraq, focus on strategic partnership
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The United States and its Coalition partners will begin reducing their military presence in Iraq, Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell announced on Tuesday.
This decision, in line with a joint statement from the U.S.-Iraq Higher Military Commission issued on Sep. 27, 2024, underscores the continued success in the fight against ISIS and marks a shift towards a long-term U.S.-Iraq security partnership.
Parnell emphasized that this transition aligns with U.S. national interests, the Iraqi Constitution, and the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement.
The focus will now be on bolstering Iraq’s security infrastructure, ensuring sustainable economic development, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing Iraq’s role as a regional leader.
While the reduction of military operations signifies a major step, the U.S. government will remain in close coordination with the Iraqi government and Coalition members to guarantee a responsible and effective transition.
This new chapter in the U.S.-Iraq relationship aims to deepen cooperation, shifting from combat operations to supporting Iraq’s capacity to independently secure its borders and sovereignty.
The announcement comes after years of joint operations between the U.S. and Iraqi forces aimed at combating ISIS. With ISIS’s territorial defeat, both countries now focus on fostering a partnership that strengthens Iraq’s internal security, economy, and regional influence, in line with existing agreements.