Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Christian Marquardt – Pool/Getty Images)
Iraq’s Prime Minister announced his country no longer needed a U.S. military presence. Mustafa Al-Kadhimi said in an interview on Friday, the Islamic State group would continue to ask for U.S. training and military intelligence gathering without a U.S. presence.
The prime minister has requested a timeline for withdrawal of troops as he said there was no longer a need for foreign forces on Iraq soil. The White House estimated to have a timeline by the end of the year.
“What we want from the American presence in Iraq is to support our forces in training, developing their efficiency and capabilities and in security cooperation,” Al-Kadhimi expressed. “The Iraqi army and security forces today are ready and capable of defending themselves.”
U.S. soldiers with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment patrol a new ditch they have dug to protect the base from attack on July 19, 2011 in Iskandariya, Babil Province Iraq. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
The U.S. troop presence stands at 2,500 since President Trump ordered a reduction from 3,000 last year.
Source: One America News Network
