Iraq no longer requires US troops, PM says

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani has announced that the presence of US troops in Iraq is no longer necessary, given the country's success in defeating the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group.

Speaking in an interview with foreign media, al-Sudani stated that there is no need for a coalition, Caliber.Az reports.

"We have moved from wars to stability. IS is not really a threat anymore," he said.

The Prime Minister added that an announcement on the end date of the US-led international coalition's mission in Iraq will be made soon.

"Today, Iraq in 2024 is not the same as Iraq of 2014; we have defeated Daesh/ISIS with our sacrifices and the Iraqi people's position," al-Sudani said. "We found that the justifications for the coalition's mission have ended. There is no longer a need for a coalition of 86 countries."

Al-Sudani clarified that while the coalition's mission is concluding, it does not signify a breakdown in relations with coalition countries, including the US. "Baghdad is holding bilateral talks with Washington on building sustainable security relationships," he noted.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the end of the coalition’s mission reflects Iraq's transition from a period of conflict to one of stability.

"Daesh/ISIS doesn't pose a threat to the state," he stressed.

Currently, the US maintains a military presence of about 2,500 personnel in Iraq as part of the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, according to the Pentagon. Despite concerns from some US lawmakers about the potential for IS to regroup and for Iran to increase its influence, al-Sudani expressed confidence in Iraq’s ability to manage its own security.