The U.S. military has started reducing its presence in Iraq as part of a deal reached with Baghdad last year, officials confirmed Wednesday.
Washington and Baghdad agreed last year to wind down the military mission in Iraq of an American-led coalition fighting the Daesh terrorist group by September 2025, with U.S. forces departing some bases where they have stationed troops during a two-decade-long military presence in the country.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement Wednesday that the U.S. "will reduce its military mission in Iraq," reflecting "our combined success in fighting ISIS."
The move "marks an effort to transition to a lasting U.S.-Iraq security partnership in accordance with U.S. national interests, the Iraqi Constitution, and the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement," he said.
The statement added that Washington will maintain close coordination with Baghdad and coalition partners to ensure a "responsible transition."
