Iraq official: US troops from Syria to leave Iraq in 4 weeks
5 years, 2 months ago

Iraq official: US troops from Syria to leave Iraq in 4 weeks

Associated Press  

BAGHDAD — U.S troops withdrawing from northeastern Syria to Iraq are “transiting” and will leave the country within four weeks, Iraq’s defense minister said Wednesday. Iraq’s military said Tuesday that American troops leaving northeastern Syria don’t have permission to stay in Iraq in a statement that appeared to contradict Esper, who has said that all U.S. troops leaving Syria would continue to conduct operations against the Islamic State group from Iraq to prevent its resurgence in the region. In Wednesday’s talks, he said the two sides agreed that the American troops crossing from Syria are “transiting” through Iraq and will then head to either Kuwait, Qatar or the United States “within a time frame not exceeding four weeks.” The Iraqi minister said the planes that would transport the American troops out of Iraq have already arrived. U.S. troops in Syria fought for five years alongside Kurdish-led forces in northeast Syria and succeeded in bringing down the rule of IS militants — at the cost of thousands of Kurdish fighters’ lives.

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History of this topic

US troops need to stay in Syria to counter the Islamic State group, Austin says
1 day, 10 hours ago

US troops need to stay in Syria to counter the Islamic State group, Austin says

Associated Press  

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — The U.S. needs to keep troops deployed in Syria to prevent the Islamic State group from reconstituting as a major threat following the ouster of Bashar Assad’s government, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told The Associated Press. If Syria is left unprotected, “I think ISIS fighters would enter back into the mainstream,” Austin said at Ramstein …

US-Backed Kurdish coalition faces uncertainty in Syria
2 weeks, 6 days ago

US-Backed Kurdish coalition faces uncertainty in Syria

NPR  

US-Backed Kurdish coalition faces uncertainty in Syria The Kurdish coalition that controls a third of Syria and helped the US fight ISIS is facing a new reality after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. But as Syria's new Arab leaders try to figure out how to unite their country after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, the future of the U.S.-backed Kurdish …

US says it has 2,000 troops in Syria, not 900 as previously declared
3 weeks, 1 day ago

US says it has 2,000 troops in Syria, not 900 as previously declared

Al Jazeera  

Pentagon says the additional forces have been in Syria for ‘a while’, before fall of President Bashar al-Assad, though they were not publicly disclosed. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said the additional US forces have been in Syria since before the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad this month, though he did not specify a timeframe. …

America's closest ally in Syria is losing ground as a new order takes shape
4 weeks, 1 day ago

America's closest ally in Syria is losing ground as a new order takes shape

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Over the course of Syria’s civil war, Kurdish fighters …

Syria: US fears vacuum post-Assad with growing concerns over return of ISIS
1 month ago

Syria: US fears vacuum post-Assad with growing concerns over return of ISIS

New Indian Express  

President elect- Trump, who visited Paris on Saturday, warned against US involvement in Syria, saying the country is "a mess" and "not our friend." In his remarks, Trump blamed former President Obama for the situation in Syria and suggested that Russia should now distance itself from the country, using its "weakened state" to advocate for a negotiated end to the …

'This is not our fight': Trump says US should 'stay out of Syria' as Assad regime struggles to survive
Top News
1 month ago

'This is not our fight': Trump says US should 'stay out of Syria' as Assad regime struggles to survive

Firstpost  

US President-elect Donald Trump urged Washington to stay out of the ongoing crisis in Syria. Calling the country a ‘mess’ he pointed out that it is not America’s fight US President-elect Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States should not get involved in the ongoing conflict in Syria. Trump’s remarks came shortly after National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan …

Iraqi PM urges Trump to 'work towards ending' Mideast wars
2 months ago

Iraqi PM urges Trump to 'work towards ending' Mideast wars

New Indian Express  

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani expressed hopes during a phone call with US President-elect Donald Trump that he would keep his "promises to work towards ending wars" in the Middle East. In the phone call, the Iraqi premier pointed to Trump's "campaign statements and promises to work towards ending wars in the region", a statement from Sudani's office said …

U.S. troops will leave some longstanding bases in Iraq under deal to wrap up mission
3 months, 1 week ago

U.S. troops will leave some longstanding bases in Iraq under deal to wrap up mission

LA Times  

The U.S. has announced an agreement with Iraq’s government to wrap up the military mission there of an American-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group. “We thank the government for its position to expel the international coalition forces,” Qais Khazali, founder of Asaib Ahl al Haq — an Iran-backed Iraqi Shia militia that has conducted attacks against U.S. forces in …

Wrapping up mission, US troops will leave some longstanding bases in Iraq under new deal
3 months, 1 week ago

Wrapping up mission, US troops will leave some longstanding bases in Iraq under new deal

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The U.S. announced an agreement …

US to end anti-ISIL operation in Iraq but unclear if troops will remain
3 months, 2 weeks ago

US to end anti-ISIL operation in Iraq but unclear if troops will remain

Al Jazeera  

US officials offer little clarity on future of two-decade US military presence in Iraq amid ‘transition’. The first phase – expected to end in September 2025 – will include “ending the presence of coalition forces in certain locations in Iraq as mutually determined”, the official said. The second phase would see the US continue to operate in Iraq in some …

US, Iraq begin dialogue to end international military presence
11 months, 1 week ago

US, Iraq begin dialogue to end international military presence

Firstpost  

During the first round of negotiations between the US and Iraq over the future of US military engagement in Iraq, Baghdad discussed expectations that would result in a schedule for reducing US military deployment. Iraq’s prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, met on Saturday in Baghdad with high-ranking representatives of the US-led coalition and the country’s armed forces, according to an …

Iraq and US begin formal talks to end coalition mission formed to fight the Islamic State group
11 months, 1 week ago

Iraq and US begin formal talks to end coalition mission formed to fight the Islamic State group

Associated Press  

BEIRUT — The United States and Iraq held a first session of formal talks Saturday in Baghdad aimed at winding down the mission of a U.S.-led military coalition formed to fight the Islamic State group in Iraq. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said in a statement that he had A statement released by the coalition said that working groups …

US, Iraq begin formal talks on winding down US-led military coalition
11 months, 2 weeks ago

US, Iraq begin formal talks on winding down US-led military coalition

Al Jazeera  

Currently, there are about 2,500 US troops still deployed in Iraq as part of the coalition formed in 2014 to help defeat ISIL. The joint commission began “the commencement of the first round of bilateral dialogue between Iraq and the United States of America to end the Coalition in Iraq”, Al-Sudani’s office said in a statement. Currently, there are about …

The US and Iraq will begin talks soon on ending the mission of the US-led military coalition in Iraq
11 months, 2 weeks ago

The US and Iraq will begin talks soon on ending the mission of the US-led military coalition in Iraq

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The United States and Iraq will begin talks soon to wind down the mission of a U.S.-led military coalition formed to fight the Islamic State group in Iraq, both governments said Thursday. Officials said Thursday that delegates from Iraq and the U.S. mission in Baghdad will meet for the first time on Saturday to begin setting up the …

US and Iraq agree to start talks to end presence of US-led coalition
11 months, 2 weeks ago

US and Iraq agree to start talks to end presence of US-led coalition

Al Jazeera  

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin says talks will take place as part of a military commission that was agreed upon in August 2023. Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Thursday said Baghdad aims to “formulate a specific and clear timetable that specifies the duration of the presence of international coalition advisors in Iraq” and to “initiate …

Iran says deal agreed with Iraq for disarming, relocation of Kurdish rebels
1 year, 4 months ago

Iran says deal agreed with Iraq for disarming, relocation of Kurdish rebels

Al Jazeera  

Tehran sets deadline of September 19 for rebels to be disarmed and removed from bases in northern Iraq. Tehran, Iran – Iran says it has reached an agreement with Iraq to disarm and relocate Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq within weeks. Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Nasser Kanani said on Monday that the central Iraqi government has committed to …

Timeline of events: 20 years since U.S.-led invasion of Iraq
1 year, 9 months ago

Timeline of events: 20 years since U.S.-led invasion of Iraq

Associated Press  

BAGHDAD — It’s been 20 years since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq began. April-August 2004: Clashes emerge between U.S.-led coalition forces and followers of Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who demands that foreign forces leave Iraq. October 2019-January 2020: With the battle against the Islamic State group mostly ended, Iraqi public dissatisfaction boils over with anti-government protests against rampant corruption, poor …

Why US troops remain in Iraq 20 years after ‘shock and awe’
1 year, 9 months ago

Why US troops remain in Iraq 20 years after ‘shock and awe’

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Twenty years after the U.S. invaded Iraq — in blinding explosions of shock and awe — American forces remain in the country in what has become a small but consistent presence to ensure an ongoing relationship with a key military and diplomatic partner in the Middle East. The divide was a key factor in the collapse of the …

Why US troops remain in Iraq 20 years after 'shock and awe'
1 year, 9 months ago

Why US troops remain in Iraq 20 years after 'shock and awe'

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Twenty years after the U.S. …

Why does the US still have forces in Syria?
2 years, 4 months ago

Why does the US still have forces in Syria?

Al Jazeera  

US forces have targeted a base operated by Iranian allies in eastern Syria after an attack near a US base last week. The eastern Syria raids announced on Wednesday appear to be part of the latter, with Central Command spokesperson Colonel Joe Buccino saying the strikes “were necessary to protect and defend US personnel”, and a response to an August …

Iraqi military marks 101st anniversary as US ends combat mission
3 years ago

Iraqi military marks 101st anniversary as US ends combat mission

Al Jazeera  

Threats from armed groups continue to pose challenges for security forces as they take on the task of safeguarding the country, scarred by conflict. The Iraqi armed forces have strong ties to the US military, which was essentially in charge of building a new Iraqi army following the 2003 invasion. “The Iraqi Security Forces have demonstrated considerable progress amidst changes …

The AP Interview: General says US troops to remain in Iraq
3 years, 1 month ago

The AP Interview: General says US troops to remain in Iraq

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The top U.S. commander for the Middle East said Thursday that the United States will keep the current 2,500 troops in Iraq for the foreseeable future, and he warned that he expects increasing attacks on U.S. and Iraqi personnel by Iranian-backed militias determined to get American forces out. Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie said in an interview with The …

US-led combat mission in Iraq ends, shifting to advisory role
3 years, 1 month ago

US-led combat mission in Iraq ends, shifting to advisory role

Al Jazeera  

The United States will continue to provide assistance, advice and training to Iraqi forces, Iraqi and US officials say. United States-led forces have ended their combat mission in Iraq, senior US and Iraqi officials said, as the coalition transitions to an advisory role assisting Iraqi forces. Qassim al-Araji, Iraq’s national security adviser, said on Thursday that a final round of …

US military exit from Syria unlikely anytime soon, officials say
3 years, 2 months ago

US military exit from Syria unlikely anytime soon, officials say

Al Jazeera  

Speculation has been rife American forces would withdrawal from Syria after the Afghanistan pullout in an effort to end ‘forever wars’. In October 2019, following the group’s territorial defeat, former President Donald Trump announced a withdrawal of US forces from northeast Syria, triggering a Turkish offensive in the area against the SDF, which Ankara has long argued is a threat …

US combat mission in Iraq will conclude by year end, says Joe Biden
3 years, 5 months ago

US combat mission in Iraq will conclude by year end, says Joe Biden

Firstpost  

Biden said the US military will continue to assist Iraq in its fight against the Islamic State, and the security relationship will be focused on training and intelligence-sharing Washington: President Joe Biden said Monday the US combat mission in Iraq will conclude by the end of the year, an announcement that reflects the reality on the ground more than a …

Biden will announce he is pulling US troops from Iraq
3 years, 5 months ago

Biden will announce he is pulling US troops from Iraq

Daily Mail  

President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi announced Monday that they've come to an agreement to end the U.S. military's combat mission in Iraq by the end of the year, more than 18 years after American troops were sent in. Our co-operation is for the economy, the environment, health, education, culture and more' The announcement to end the …

US withdrawing thousands of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan
4 years, 4 months ago

US withdrawing thousands of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The United States will pull thousands of troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan by November, the top American commander for the Middle East said Wednesday, as President Donald Trump tries to make good on his campaign promise to get America out of “endless wars.” During a visit to Iraq, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, the commander of U.S. Central …

US cites ‘great sacrifice’ as it pulls 2,200 troops out of Iraq
4 years, 4 months ago

US cites ‘great sacrifice’ as it pulls 2,200 troops out of Iraq

Al Jazeera  

American military presence in Iraq will be reduced from 5,200 to 3,000 troops this month, US Central Command announces. “In recognition of the great progress the Iraqi forces have made and in consultation and coordination with the government of Iraq and our coalition partners, the United States has decided to reduce our troop presence in Iraq from about 5,200 to …

US announces troop drawdown in Iraq
4 years, 4 months ago

US announces troop drawdown in Iraq

CNN  

CNN — The US commander in the Middle East announced Wednesday a drawdown of US troops in Iraq from 5,200 to 3,000 in the month of September. McKenzie said the decision is due to the United States’ “confidence in the Iraqi Security Forces’ increased ability to operate independently.” A senior administration official told reporters on Tuesday to also expect an …

US-Iraq talks promise US troop withdrawal, fall short of timeline
4 years, 6 months ago

US-Iraq talks promise US troop withdrawal, fall short of timeline

Al Jazeera  

‘Long road ahead’, analysts say, after officials fail to agree on timeframe following resumption of strategic dialogue. “In light of significant progress towards eliminating the ISIS threat, over the coming months the US would continue reducing forces from Iraq and discuss with the Government of Iraq the status of remaining forces as both countries turn their focus towards developing a …

US-led forces pull out of 3rd Iraqi base this month
4 years, 9 months ago

US-led forces pull out of 3rd Iraqi base this month

Associated Press  

BAGHDAD — The U.S.-led coalition in Iraq withdrew Sunday from a military base in the country’s north that nearly launched Washington into an open war with neighboring Iran. The K1 Air Base is the third site coalition forces have left this month, in line with U.S. plans to consolidate its troops in two locations in Iraq. Coalition forces handed over …

US rejects Iraq request to discuss troop withdrawal
5 years ago

US rejects Iraq request to discuss troop withdrawal

Al Jazeera  

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi made the request in a phone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday. Iraq’s caretaker prime minister, Adel Abdul Mahdi, made his request in a phone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo late on Thursday in line with a vote by Iraq’s parliament last week, his office said in a …

U.S. dismisses Iraq request to withdraw troops, saying American presence there is crucial
5 years ago

U.S. dismisses Iraq request to withdraw troops, saying American presence there is crucial

LA Times  

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, shown in 2018, appears to be standing by his previous statements that U.S troops should leave Iraq despite recent signals toward de-escalation between Tehran and Washington. Iraq’s caretaker prime minister asked Washington to start working out a road map for an American troop withdrawal, but the U.S. State Department on Friday bluntly rejected the request, …

US-led coalition announces preparation to withdraw from Iraq
5 years ago

US-led coalition announces preparation to withdraw from Iraq

India TV News  

The US-led international coalition fighting the Islamic State militant group has announced its preparation to exit Iraq after the resolution of the Iraqi parliament to withdraw foreign forces. "In deference to the sovereignty of the Republic of Iraq, and as requested by the Iraqi parliament and the Prime Minister, CJTF-OIR will be repositioning forces over the course of the coming …

Iraq has voted to expel US troops. Whether they’ll actually be kicked out is far from clear
5 years ago

Iraq has voted to expel US troops. Whether they’ll actually be kicked out is far from clear

CNN  

Baghdad, Iraq CNN — When Iraq’s parliament voted to expel American troops from the country Sunday, it was an apparent bid by the government to extract the country from an escalating US-Iran proxy war. In response, Trump has threatened to sanction Baghdad “like they’ve never seen before ever,” if Iraq were to expel US troops. Shia paramilitary leaders, an important …

Iraqi parliament calls for expulsion of foreign troops
5 years ago

Iraqi parliament calls for expulsion of foreign troops

Al Jazeera  

Vote comes after PM Abdul Mahdi recommended Parliament take urgent measures to expel foreign troops from Iraq. Ahead of the vote, chants of “No, no, America…long live Iraq”, rang out inside the hall, before Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi also called on parliament to end foreign troop presence. “Iraq has two options”, he said, adding that the country can …

Militiamen withdraw from US Embassy but Iraq tensions linger
5 years ago

Militiamen withdraw from US Embassy but Iraq tensions linger

India Today  

Iran-backed militiamen withdrew from the US Embassy compound in Baghdad on Wednesday after two days of clashes with American security forces, but US-Iran tensions remain high and could spill over into further violence. Tensions have steadily risen since Trump withdrew the US from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and embarked on a campaign of maximum pressure through economic …

Militiamen Withdraw From U.S. Embassy But Iraq Tensions Linger
5 years ago

Militiamen Withdraw From U.S. Embassy But Iraq Tensions Linger

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING BAGHDAD — Iran-backed militiamen withdrew from the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad on Wednesday after two days of clashes with American security forces, but U.S.-Iran tensions remain high and could spill over into further violence. The Popular Mobilization Forces, an umbrella group of state-allied militias — many backed by Iran — called on its supporters to withdraw …

American troops to remain in Syria as long as Islamic State has presence in region, says US military official Mark Milley
5 years, 1 month ago

American troops to remain in Syria as long as Islamic State has presence in region, says US military official Mark Milley

Firstpost  

‘There will be less than 1,000, American troops for sure’, general Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ‘Probably in the 500ish frame, maybe six’ Washington: US troop levels in northern Syria will probably stabilize around 500, a top American military leader said on Sunday, weeks after president Donald Trump had announced a complete withdrawal. “There will be …

US to deploy more troops to eastern Syria to secure oilfields
5 years, 2 months ago

US to deploy more troops to eastern Syria to secure oilfields

Al Jazeera  

The United States will station additional forces in eastern Syria to protect oilfields in another policy shift that one former senior American official called a “shocking ignorance” of history and geography. The whole thing makes no sense.” Marwan Kabalan from the Arab Center for Research told Al Jazeera the latest move to re-deploy forces to Syria reflects the contradictions in …

Mark Esper in Baghdad; US defence secretary to discuss deployment of American troops in Iraq to conduct operations against IS
5 years, 2 months ago

Mark Esper in Baghdad; US defence secretary to discuss deployment of American troops in Iraq to conduct operations against IS

Firstpost  

Esper has said that under the current plan, all US troops leaving Syria will go to western Iraq, continue to conduct operations against Islamic State Baghdad: Defence secretary Mark Esper arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday, as chaos swirled along the Turkey-Syria border and Iraqi leaders chafed over reports the US may want to increase the number of troops based in …

Iraqi PM says US troops do not have permission to stay in country
5 years, 2 months ago

Iraqi PM says US troops do not have permission to stay in country

Al Jazeera  

Adel Abdul Mahdi says Baghdad has taken ‘all international legal measures’ in response to US soldiers’ recent entry. Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has said United States troops pulling out of northeast Syria do not have permission to stay in Iraq, adding that his government is taking “all international legal measures” in response to their recent entry. Abdul Mahdi said …

Iraq: American troops leaving Syria cannot stay in Iraq
5 years, 2 months ago

Iraq: American troops leaving Syria cannot stay in Iraq

Associated Press  

BAGHDAD — U.S. troops leaving Syria and heading to neighboring Iraq do not have permission to stay in the country, Iraq’s military said Tuesday as American forces continued to pull out of northern Syria after Turkey’s invasion of the border region. The statement appears to contradict U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who has said that under the current plan, all …

‘America is running away': Syrian withdrawal turns chaotic
5 years, 2 months ago

‘America is running away': Syrian withdrawal turns chaotic

Associated Press  

BEIRUT — The crowd hurled potatoes that thudded on the sides of the hulking U.S. armored vehicles. But one U.S. official with knowledge of the ground said Turkey’s actions were unilateral and potentially “dangerous to coalition forces and civilians.” The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief reporters. The U.S. official said their approach …

Iraq: US troops leaving Syria have no approval to stay
5 years, 2 months ago

Iraq: US troops leaving Syria have no approval to stay

Al Jazeera  

Nearly 1,000 US troops withdrawing from northern Syria can only enter Kurdish region in transit, Iraq’s army says. An Iraqi statement on Tuesday contradicted the Pentagon’s announcement that all of the nearly 1,000 troops withdrawing from northern Syria are expected to move to western Iraq to continue the campaign against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and “to help …

Iraq contradicts U.S. defense secretary, says U.S. troops leaving Syria can't stay in Iraq
5 years, 2 months ago

Iraq contradicts U.S. defense secretary, says U.S. troops leaving Syria can't stay in Iraq

CBS News  

The White House considers a plan to keep some troops in Syria Baghdad — U.S. troops leaving Syria and heading to neighboring Iraq do not have permission to stay in the country, Iraq's military said Tuesday as American forces continued to pull out of northern Syria after Turkey's invasion of the border region. The statement appears to contradict U.S. Defense …

‘America is running away': Syrian withdrawal turns chaotic
5 years, 2 months ago

‘America is running away': Syrian withdrawal turns chaotic

Associated Press  

BEIRUT — The crowd hurled potatoes that thudded on the sides of the hulking U.S. armored vehicles. But one U.S. official with knowledge of the ground said Turkey’s actions were unilateral and potentially “dangerous to coalition forces and civilians.” The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief reporters. The U.S. official said their approach …

US may now keep some troops in Syria to guard oilfields
5 years, 2 months ago

US may now keep some troops in Syria to guard oilfields

Associated Press  

KABUL, Afghanistan — The U.S. may leave some forces in Syria to secure oilfields and make sure they don’t fall into the hands of a resurgent Islamic State, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Monday, even though President Donald Trump has insisted he is pulling troops out of the country and getting out of “endless wars.” The Pentagon chief said the …

Withdrawing US troops enter Iraq from Syria
5 years, 2 months ago

Withdrawing US troops enter Iraq from Syria

Al Jazeera  

Residents of Kurdish-dominated city pelt US forces with potatoes and shout expletives at them as they drive through. Guarding oil fields US defence chief Mark Esper said on Monday some American troops will remain in parts of northeast Syria near oilfields alongside the YPG-led Syrian Democratic Forces to ensure the oil does not fall into the hands of the Islamic …

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