Iraq and U.S. Begin Talking About Soldiers: Wanting Less Troops in the Country

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani attends the first session of negotiations between Iraq and the United States to wind down the U.S.-led International Coalition mission in Baghdad, Iraq, January 27, 2024. Photo: REUTERS

Iraq and U.S. Begin Talking About Soldiers: Wanting Less Troops in the Country

In Iraq, important talks took place on Saturday between Iraq and the United States about the future of American and other foreign troops in the country. Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani hosted the discussions, aiming to establish a timeline for reducing the presence of these troops. The talks involved high-ranking officials from the Iraqi armed forces and the international coalition formed by the U.S. to combat the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group.

A photograph released by the Prime Minister's office showed the leaders discussing the mission of the international coalition in Iraq. Sudani's foreign affairs adviser, Farhad Alaaldin, stated that the length of negotiations would depend on the progress made during the talks. Iraq is seeking bilateral agreements with the countries participating in the coalition for the best interests of all parties.

Washington had previously announced the launch of "expert working groups of military and defense professionals" in collaboration with Baghdad. These groups will focus on assessing the threat from ISIS, operational and environmental requirements, and the capability levels of the Iraqi Security Forces.

Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh acknowledged that discussions would include the U.S. military footprint in Iraq, indicating that Baghdad's request for a reduction in forces is under consideration. Iraq's foreign ministry aims to establish a specific timeline for the gradual reduction of coalition advisers on Iraqi soil.

The talks, planned for months, coincide with heightened tensions in Iraq and the region due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. This conflict has led to increased attacks on American and other coalition forces. Over 150 attacks targeting coalition troops have occurred since mid-October, with many claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-linked groups opposing U.S. support for Israel in the Gaza conflict. Currently, there are approximately 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq and about 900 in Syria as part of the anti-IS coalition formed in 2014.