Iraqi representatives visit Pentagon for discussions on American troop retreat

(MENAFN) On Monday, US and Iraqi officials convened at the Pentagon to discuss the ongoing presence of American-led coalition forces in Iraq. This meeting marks a significant step in the dialogue about the future of US military involvement in the country. Combat troops had originally departed Iraq in 2011 following the 2003 invasion, but were reintroduced in 2014 to assist Baghdad in combating ISIS.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani had announced in January the initiation of a process to remove US forces from Iraq, despite concerns about the Iraqi military's capacity to independently manage the threat from ISIS. The prolonged US presence, along with a series of strikes targeting Iran-backed militias, intensified political pressure on Al Sudani to seek the withdrawal of American troops.

The discussions at the Pentagon are focused on redefining the US-Iraq relationship as an “enduring bilateral security partnership.” The US delegation for this round of talks includes officers from Central Command and officials from other departments, while the Iraqi delegation comprises representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the Counter-terrorism Service, and the Kurdish Peshmerga, according to Pentagon statements.

Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder indicated that the talks are aimed at evaluating ISIS's current operational capabilities and formulating recommendations for future coalition activities. "Officials will consider information and recommendations with a view towards the future of the coalition and the bilateral security cooperation between the US and Iraq," Ryder explained.

Since the reintegration of US and international troops in 2014, approximately 2,500 US troops remain in Iraq, serving in advisory and training roles. The ongoing discussions are crucial for determining the strategic direction and nature of US involvement in Iraq moving forward.

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