According to the administration of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, the country will begin a phased withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces starting this September. Troops will be pulled out from Baghdad and the Al-Asad Air Base in western Anbar province.
Prime Minister’s advisor Hussein Allawi told the Iraqi News Agency on Sunday that members of the coalition, formed to combat the Islamic State terrorist group, will carry out this step based on agreements between the Iraqi government and the coalition countries. Allawi added that this move will strengthen Iraq’s own military and advance efforts to build the country’s armed forces.
He further noted that the withdrawal process will occur in two phases. The initial stage of the withdrawal will be completed by September 2025, with full mission completion expected by the following September. After this period, Iraq will continue partnerships with international allies for consultation and capacity building.
Allawi emphasized that this phased withdrawal strategy reflects the government’s commitment to normalizing relations between Iraq and coalition countries while establishing a long-term security partnership.
Source: Press TV