Baghdad: The US military is set to decrease its mission in Iraq, transitioning towards a permanent partnership with the Iraqi government. This change was announced by the US Department of Defense (Pentagon), emphasizing a shift in the role of US forces in the region.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Pentagon released a statement indicating that this decision aligns with the President's directives and follows consultations with the US-Iraq Higher Military Commission. A joint statement was also issued on September 27, 2024, underscoring the commitment of the US and Coalition partners to scale back their military mission in Iraq.
The Pentagon's statement highlighted that this reduction is a testament to the success achieved in combating ISIS. The move aims to foster a long-lasting security partnership between the US and Iraq, grounded in US national interests, the Iraqi Constitution, and the US-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement.
US forces in Iraq currently operate as part of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. This coalition, established in September 2014, brings together approximately 89 partner countries and international organizations, all working towards the common goal of dismantling the influence of ISIS in the region.