Washington. September 27th. INTERFAX - The United States has announced an agreement with the Iraqi government to complete a mission to combat the Islamic State terrorist group (IS, banned in the Russian Federation) in Iraq.
"Iraq and the United States, based on the results of consultations and discussions with the leadership of the Global Coalition against ISIS and friendly member states (...) They announce: first, the completion of the coalition's military mission in Iraq within the next 12 months, but no later than the end of September 2025," the State Department said in a statement released on Friday.
The United States and Iraq also agreed to "transition to a bilateral security partnership in such a way as to support Iraqi forces and maintain pressure on ISIS."
"Secondly, since Iraq is a key member of the coalition, (...) The coalition's military mission operating in Syria will continue to operate until September 2026," the document emphasizes.
In addition, according to the State Department, the supreme military commission, which forms the dialogue between the United States and Iraq, undertakes to carry out the necessary procedures for the implementation of the withdrawal of the American contingent from Iraq. It is noted that practical steps to implement the commitments have already begun.
Iraq thanked the coalition for its support and assistance in countering the terrorist threat.
At the same time, as The Hill notes, citing sources, the United States "will maintain a military presence in Iraq to combat global terrorism." The interlocutors of the publication did not specify the number of troops that Washington is going to leave in Iraq.
As the interlocutor of the publication emphasizes, the completion of the mission does not mean the immediate withdrawal of American troops from Iraq.
"I would like to emphasize that this is an evolution of the military mission in Iraq. We are moving towards the type of productive, long-term security relationship that the United States maintains with partners around the world," he said.
In turn, The Washington Post, citing sources, reports that "Baghdad and Washington have also reached an understanding according to which approximately 900 American troops stationed in Syria will continue to receive support from the Iraqi side of the border at least until September 2026."
"The uncertainty of the statement suggests that Washington hopes to maintain some room for maneuver in negotiations with Baghdad," the publication emphasizes.
Earlier in September, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani said in an interview with Bloomberg TV that the presence of American troops in Iraq was no longer required, since they had succeeded significantly in defeating ISIS.
Al-Sudani also expressed confidence that Baghdad and Washington's security cooperation will continue after the withdrawal of troops.
Before that, the Iraqi Prime Minister repeatedly called on the military of the international coalition led by the United States to withdraw from Iraq.
At the same time, Bloomberg notes, many US lawmakers have expressed concern about the possible withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, as this "may allow ISIS to regroup, and neighboring Iran to increase its influence on Iraq."
