US-led coalition, which was created to combat Islamic State militants in Iraq has ended their combat mission. To support the security forces in Iraq, foreign service personnel will continue to serve.
On Thursday, US and Iraqi commanders declared that the rest of Western troops would switch to training and advising Iraqi Security Forces.
“As we complete our combat role, we will remain here to advise, assist, and enable the ISF, at the invitation of Republic of Iraq,”In a statement, Major General John W. Brennan, Jr., stated that he was the coalition commander.
Iraqi Staff Lieutenant General Abdul Amir al-Shammari said the country’s forces have proven that they are capable of containing Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) militants.
“Today, we renew our partnership with the Coalition, who are now serving in a new capacity – with a mission to advise, assist, and enable our brave military warriors,” al-Shammari said.
John Kirby, spokesperson for the Pentagon, stated that this shift was necessary. “natural evolution” of Washington’s commitment to Baghdad.
Qasim, the national security adviser of the Iraqi government said both sides had agreed to a “withdrawal”The withdrawal of Western forces.
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However, Reuters quotes Western diplomats and officials who said to Reuters that they told the agency in confidence that the changes would be made. “little difference”To the US troops present on the ground. The Pentagon currently has around 2,500 personnel in Iraq.
US forces invaded Iraq and their allies in 2003. They overthrew Saddam Hussein’s long-time leader. Saddam was eventually sentenced by an Iraqi court to his death and then executed. The campaign was part of Washington’s global ‘war on terror,’ which was launched after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on American soil.
Operation Inherent Resolve was a US military operation to end IS. It began in 2014 after the militants had captured large parts northern Iraq including Mosul. The US along with their Kurdish, Iraqi and Kurdish allies finally liberated Mosul and put an end to most IS resistance throughout the country.
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