The Process of Reducing American Troops in Iraq Begins Following Victory Announcement Over ISIS

Western sources say that following the announcement of victory in the battle against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq, the process of reducing American troops from this country has begun. An Iraqi government spokesman also told the Associated Press on Monday, February 5, that the withdrawal of some American soldiers has started, but this does not mean the beginning of a complete withdrawal. Western sources reported that over the past week, dozens of American soldiers with their weapons and equipment have been transferred to Afghanistan daily. An Associated Press reporter observed the exit of American soldiers at the Al Asad military base located in western Iraq. Sources who requested anonymity due to regulations did not specify the exact number of American soldiers who have left Iraq. A spokesman for the US-led military coalition told the Associated Press, "The continued presence of coalition forces will depend on the conditions and operational needs and in coordination with the Iraqi government." After the report on the withdrawal of some American soldiers was published, the Iraqi government spokesman said, "The battle against ISIS has ended, and as a result, the presence of American soldiers will decrease." An official close to the Iraqi Prime Minister stated that based on an agreement with the US, about 60% of American troops will leave Iraq. According to this plan, about four thousand American soldiers will remain in the country to continue training the Iraqi army. A report from the US Department of Defense in November stated that at the end of December 2017, about 8,900 American soldiers were stationed in Iraq. The US began its first airstrikes against the Islamic State group in August 2014. These strikes were described at the time as a "limited" operation, but due to the weakness of the Iraqi army in pushing back ISIS forces, the presence of American and other coalition forces in Iraq increased. The Associated Press reminds that the reduction of American troops in Iraq occurs just a few months before elections in the country, and the presence of American soldiers has always been one of the contentious issues in Iraqi politics. Haider al-Abadi, who intends to remain Prime Minister for another term, has always been under pressure to balance relations with Iraq's two major allies, Iran and the US, which have conflicting interests and policies. Although the support of the US military has played a vital role in Iraq's major victories against the Islamic State group, Iranian-backed Shiite militias are calling for the withdrawal of American forces. However, Haider al-Abadi has previously stated that the Iraqi army will need American training assistance for years. The withdrawal of American troops from Iraq also begins after the US Department of Defense announced in its new security strategy that countering the rising power of China and Russia takes precedence over fighting terrorism. The Iraqi government declared complete victory over the Islamic State in December 2017 after three years of fighting against militants in the west and northwest of the country. At its peak, this group had seized nearly one-third of Iraq's territory.