US, Iraq expected to soon begin talks on troops withdrawal

The US and Iraq are expected to soon begin talks on the American military presence in the country following calls from the Iraq government for the US to withdraw its troops, as reported by CNN, citing sources.

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Last summer, the US and Iraq agreed to form a higher military commission, according to the Pentagon, as a vehicle for the talks.

The discussions between both countries will focus on the next phase of the US-led anti-ISIS coalition, with the terror group now reduced to a shadow of its former self.

According to officials, US military officials and diplomats will be involved in the discussions.

The talks about the future of the US military presence in Iraq have sparked a greater urgency as regional instability rises, according to CNN.

Calls by the Iraq government for the US have come in response to the US launching airstrikes inside Iraq targeting Iran-backed militants who have been attacking US personnel there.

Reportedly, the US has roughly 2,500 troops currently in Iraq who have been operating there in an advise and assist capacity since December 2021, when the US military announced the end of its combat role in the country.

Moreover, some of the discussions will focus on whether and when it will be feasible to end the US military presence in Iraq, CNN reported.

The US officials said that they would prefer a schedule that would be based on conditions in Iraq, including the ongoing defeat of ISIS and the stability of the government and the Iraqi security forces.