A Pentagon spokesperson told Al-Hurra on Thursday that American forces are continuing the transition from combat missions to advisory roles in Iraq. In response to the announcement by the spokesperson for the Iraqi forces regarding the start of the withdrawal of combat forces, the spokesperson confirmed that the process in Iraq continues as stipulated in the joint U.S.-Iraq announcement.
Lieutenant General Yahya Rasool stated to the official Iraqi agency on Thursday that "the withdrawal of American forces has actually begun following the strategic dialogue and the fourth round conducted between Baghdad and the United States." He added that "a number of combat units are preparing for the withdrawal process and their redeployment outside Iraqi borders."
Rasool explained that "the withdrawal is taking place according to the plan established by the joint operations command and in coordination with the international coalition," noting that it will involve "the presence of advisors to provide consultation on various topics, including intelligence sharing, training, armament, and equipment, with the number determined by the assessment of the Iraqi military leadership based on the needs of the armed forces." He also pointed out that the presence of American advisors will be within Iraqi military camps, and their protection will fall under the responsibility of Iraqi forces.
Last July, U.S. President Joe Biden announced that the United States would end its "combat mission" by the end of the year to begin a "new phase" of military cooperation with Baghdad. U.S. forces returned to Iraq after their withdrawal in 2011 based on the "Strategic Framework Agreement," following the capture of large portions of Iraqi territory by ISIS in 2014. American and Iraqi forces managed to expel the organization from all areas under its control in the country after conducting thousands of airstrikes and providing training and military equipment to the Iraqi army and other armed forces.
U.S. Central Command Chief Kenneth McKenzie stated last month that "reducing the level of U.S. military presence will not weaken the United States' commitment to the broader strategic relationship with Iraq," indicating the continuation of counter-terrorism operations. In a joint statement released in July, Washington and Baghdad said that their security relationship would fully transition to roles in training, advisory, and assistance, as well as intelligence sharing. The statement added that there would be no U.S. forces in a combat role in Iraq by December 31, 2021.
