The Iraqi government has announced a postponement in the scheduled termination of the U.S.-led coalition’s mission in the country. According to a statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delay is due to recent developments and the need for further logistical arrangements.
The ministry clarified that the recent comments by the U.S. State Department spokesperson were inaccurate, stating that there are no American troops in Iraq apart from military advisors under the umbrella of the international coalition.
These advisors are part of the outcomes of the High Military Committee’s work, and both parties adhere to the established mechanisms and outcomes.
The ministry added that the High Military Committee has spent the past months assessing the threat posed by ISIS in order to set a date for the conclusion of the military mission “Operation Inherent Resolve.”
The complete withdrawal of all coalition advisors from Iraqi soil, regardless of nationality, has been agreed upon, pending final discussions on the details and timing of the announcement, along with other logistical aspects.
The statement also emphasized that the bilateral relationship between Iraq and the United States encompasses all areas, including security cooperation, which predated the presence of coalition forces and will continue afterward.
The Iraqi delegation previously discussed the future of security relations, including training, armament, equipment, and security cooperation, in accordance with the Iraqi constitution and the framework of the strategic agreement between Iraq and the United States.
