Washington: The United States and its coalition partners will scale back their military mission in Iraq, the Pentagon announced.
According to Qatar News Agency, “In accordance with the President’s guidance and in alignment with the US-Iraq Higher Military Commission and the joint statement issued on Sept. 27, 2024, the United States and Coalition partners will reduce its military mission in Iraq,” Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement.
“This reduction reflects our combined success in fighting ISIS and marks an effort to transition to a lasting US-Iraq security partnership in accordance with US national interests, the Iraqi Constitution, and the US-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement,” Parnell said.
“This partnership will support US and Iraqi security and strengthens Iraq’s ability to realize economic development, foreign investment, and regional leadership. The US Government will continue close coordination with the Government of Iraq and Coalition members to ensure a responsible transition,” he added.
With the military threat of ISIS receding, the mission of US and coalition forces shifted to training and advising Iraqi forces, rather than directly participating in combat operations.