The United States is expected to soon announce an agreement to reduce its troop presence in Iraq, amidst reports of international coalition equipment being transferred from Anbar and Baghdad to the Kurdistan region and northeastern Syria.
While Shiite political forces in Iraq remain skeptical about the US withdrawal, the Iraqi government insists the process will follow a set timetable without severing its security ties with international coalition forces. According to Politico, Washington plans to announce the reduction within a week, following final negotiations with Baghdad.
The troop reduction means Iraqi forces will operate with less direct US support. However, uncertainty surrounds the coalition’s continued air support for Iraqi forces. American officials emphasized that despite the withdrawal, the fight against ISIS is not yet over, and reports suggest Washington will maintain a small military presence in Iraq's Kurdistan region.
During a recent debate, US Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris stated that no American soldier is currently serving in active combat zones worldwide, marking a first for this century. However, the US still has about 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria, conducting military and intelligence operations to prevent ISIS from regaining strength.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani previously stated that Iraq no longer needs US troops, as they have largely succeeded in defeating ISIS, and he plans to soon announce a timetable for their withdrawal.
The agreement is also expected to allow US forces to continue using Iraqi bases to support operations in Syria.
Local news agencies reported, citing an unidentified military commander, that international coalition forces have begun specific preparations for their withdrawal from the capital, Baghdad.
The officer explained on Saturday that these preparations include sites within the Green Zone and joint operations, with expectations that the process will be completed by mid-next year, based on initial information, with a move to an alternative location in the Kurdistan region.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Baghdad, Alina Romanowski, stated that threats to Iraq’s security, stability, and sovereignty remain ongoing. In a post on X, she reaffirmed her country’s commitment to working with the Iraqi government and civil society to support a peaceful and prosperous future for Iraq.
Sudani departed for New York after meeting with several key leaders of the Coordination Framework, excluding Nouri Al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law coalition.
The Iraqi premier is scheduled to deliver Iraq's address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He will also participate in the Summit of the Future, where numerous world leaders and presidents will gather to enhance cooperation, address global challenges, and reaffirm commitments, according to the Prime Minister's media office.
