Iraq confirms Washington took steps to reduce its forces number

Today, the Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein confirmed that a strategic dialogue is underway with the US administration in order to schedule the withdrawal of its forces from the country, indicating that the US side has implemented steps to reduce forces.

18 November, 2020 13:20

News Desk

Fouad Hussein said in a press statement: "We held an important meeting with the American ambassador and Iraqi military leaders to discuss the results of the strategic dialogue and the reduction of American forces."

He also added, "The dialogue touched on the redeployment of US forces outside Iraq, and we emphasized the scheduling of withdrawal," noting that there are steps that have been implemented by the American side regarding reducing its forces in Iraq.

He explained "the remaining US forces in Iraq are not fighting. We have confirmed that there are schedules for the American withdrawal from Iraq."

He stressed that the coalition forces came at the request of the Iraqi government and that the agreement on the withdrawal of 500 personnel includes US forces only.

Acting US Defense Secretary Christopher Miller announced on Tuesday that outgoing President Donald Trump will reduce the number of US forces in Iraq from 3,000 to 2,500 before he leaves office in January, reversing the full withdrawal he threatened to implement by December 25.

J.O