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The Pentagon Announces Reduction of U.S. Forces in Iraq and Focus on Syria
The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed today, Wednesday, that Washington is committed to reducing the number of its troops in Iraq, with a primary focus on confronting ISIS cells within Syria. This was stated by a high-ranking U.S. official, who requested anonymity, in a Reuters report. The official indicated that the NATO coalition plan involves relocating most U.S. forces from Iraq to the Kurdistan Region, while maintaining fewer than 2,000 soldiers inside Iraqi territory after the transfer is complete, most of whom are based in Erbil.
The official explained that the remaining U.S. forces in Baghdad will be limited to strengthening bilateral security cooperation with Iraqi authorities, away from the mission to combat ISIS. He added that “ISIS no longer poses an ongoing threat to the Iraqi government or American interests in Iraq,” allowing the Iraqi government to take greater leadership over security matters. The official also noted that the coalition’s current focus is primarily on challenges in Syria.
The United States still maintains more than 900 troops in Syria as part of the international coalition established in 2014 to counter ISIS, which expanded in Iraq and Syria. The Pentagon emphasized that the threat of ISIS remains in Syria, especially with thousands of militants held in prisons in the northeastern part of the country, amid fears of potential escapes, which underscores the importance of the American mission there.
Military officials warned that ongoing political instability in Syria could create a fertile environment for ISIS activity to resurface, increasing the importance of coalition efforts to maintain security and stability in the region. These challenges highlight the continued struggle of the international community in counterterrorism and regional security.
