US officials have offered little clarity on the future of the two-decade US military presence in Iraq amid a transition. The US-led coalition in Iraq to fight ISIL (ISIS) is set to wind down by the end of 2025, but the specifics of what will happen to US troops in the country remain uncertain. The move is described as a “transition” rather than a “withdrawal,” with plans involving two phases – the first expected to end in September 2025 and the second continuing at least through 2026.
The US-Iraq defense ties are set to shift towards an expanded bilateral security relationship, with the future presence of US troops in Iraq remaining unclear. The US initially invaded Iraq in 2003 as part of the global “war on terror,” with troops peaking at 170,000 in 2007. Most US forces were withdrawn by 2011 but redeployed in 2014 as ISIL took control of territory in Iraq and Syria.
Since then, the US has been involved in anti-ISIS efforts, with the recent announcement signaling a change in the nature of US military involvement in Iraq. Discussions about winding down troops began in January and included top officials from Iraq and the US-led coalition. The presence of US troops in Iraq has been a contentious issue, opposed by influential segments of the government.
The recent announcement leaves many questions unanswered regarding the future of US military presence in Iraq, with officials stating they are not yet able to speculate or discuss specific details. The transition is expected to continue to evolve as the US and Iraq navigate the changing security landscape in the region.
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