Coalition Commander: Advisory Units in Iraq Ready to Respond to Militia Threats

The commander of coalition forces in Iraq and Syria stated on Wednesday, August 16, to Voice of America that several coalition forces in Iraq are advisory and prepared to respond to threats. Lieutenant General Matthew McFarlane made these remarks regarding the recent threats from some militia groups affiliated with the Islamic Republic in Iraq, adding that these advisory forces are monitoring the threats. These militia groups have threatened to attack American forces if they do not withdraw from Iraq. According to Lieutenant General McFarlane, Iraqi security forces and coalition forces are cooperating in response to these threats. The coalition commander noted that the role of the forces stationed in Iraq is solely advisory and that they have come to the country at the invitation of the Iraqi government. Previously, on Monday, August 14, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani stated that his country does not need the presence of foreign combat forces and that the relationship between the Iraqi government and its forces should be reviewed. Lieutenant General McFarlane said, 'We are here at the invitation of the Iraqi government, and our role is non-combat. We advise Iraqi security forces, assist them, and provide them with the necessary equipment to ensure they have the capacity for combat forces.' He added, 'Iraqi security forces have assured us that they will protect us. We closely monitor social networks and review information received from Iraqis and coalition forces, taking necessary actions to protect coalition forces and even Iraqi forces if they are threatened.' The coalition commander added that this is a close partnership, and they work together. Lieutenant General McFarlane stated that unlike Iraq, the role of coalition forces in Syria is combat-oriented, and they are prepared to respond to threats from Iranian proxy militias there, but emphasized that the goal of coalition forces, both in Syria and Iraq, is to defeat the terrorist group ISIS. UN inspectors stated on Tuesday, August 15, that ISIS has between five to seven thousand militants in Iraq and Syria and remains a threat to the region. The coalition commander did not comment on this issue but confirmed that ISIS, especially the ideology of this group, remains a threat.