China News Service Washington, July 26 (Reporter Chen Mengtong) U.S. President Biden stated at the White House on the 26th that the US military in Iraq will end its combat mission at the end of 2021, but will continue to undertake training and assist the Iraqi government. military responsibilities.
Biden met with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Kadhimi at the White House that day. He made the above remarks when answering reporters' questions before the meeting began. Biden said that the joint fight between the United States and Iran against the extremist organization "Islamic State" is crucial to regional stability. Even if the security cooperation between the two countries enters a "new stage," the anti-terrorism cooperation between the two countries will continue.
The picture shows White House Press Secretary Psaki holding a press conference that day. Photo by China News Service reporter Chen Mengtong
According to the US-Iraq joint statement released by the US State Department on the same day, the two sides decided that the security relationship between the two countries will completely transition to training, advice, assistance and intelligence sharing. By December 31 this year, there will be no responsibility in Iraq. U.S. military on combat missions.
"Today's real news should be the change in the mission of the US military in Iraq." White House Press Secretary Psaki said at the press conference that day that there are currently about 2,500 US troops in Iraq, and the change in this number will be based on Adjustments required for the task.
A statement issued by the White House later that day stated that the United States would play a "pure advisory role" in Iraq in the future. The leaders of both sides committed to maintaining a security partnership to ensure that the "Islamic State" does not resurgence and to help Iraqi society rebuild with dignity.
The picture shows Biden in the White House that day. Photo by China News Service reporter Chen Mengtong
The United States launched the Iraq War in 2003 and withdrew its troops from Iraq at the end of 2011, leaving only a small number of troops stationed. The "Islamic State" captured large areas of western and northern Iraq in 2014. The US military subsequently increased its troops in Iraq, but its authority was limited to combating the "Islamic State" and providing support and training to the Iraqi government forces.
In January 2020, the US military launched an air strike on Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, killing Soleimani, the commander of the "Quds Brigade" affiliated to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran, and the deputy deputy of the Iraqi Shiite militia "Popular Mobilization Organization" Commander Muhandis and others. Subsequently, the Iraqi National Assembly passed a resolution calling for an end to the presence of foreign troops in Iraq. (End)
Source: China News Network
