The announcement of an end date for the presence of the US-led military coalition in Iraq has been postponed due to unspecified “recent developments”, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Iraq The delay raises questions about the future of the US military presence in the Gulf state amid escalating tensions in the region.
Iraq's High Military Commission had intended to propose an end date for Operation Inherent Resolve, the US military operation aimed at combating the terrorist group ISIS. However, the announcement has been put on hold, with no further details about the “recent events” that led to this decision.
The region is currently on high alert as Israel and the US prepare for a possible Iranian attack on Israel. This comes in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month. Although Iran has blamed Israel for the killing, Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility.
In Iraq, Iranian-backed militias are pressuring the Shiite-led government to end the presence of US troops. Since October 7, several powerful militias have increased attacks against US positions in the country, expressing solidarity with the people of the Gaza Strip and considering the US administration as one of Israel's main allies. In retaliation, the US has launched airstrikes in Iraq against these groups.
There are currently approximately 2,500 US troops in Iraq, operating in an “advise and assist” role since December 2021, when the US military announced the end of its combat role in the country . As the situation continues to evolve, the future of the US military presence in Iraq remains uncertain.
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