Pentagon Confirms US Will Not Withdraw from Iraq

The Pentagon stated on Monday that it currently has no plans to withdraw its approximately 2,500 troops from Iraq, despite Baghdad’s recent announcement that it would initiate the process of removing the U.S.-led military coalition from the country.

“Right now, I’m not aware of any plans (to plan for withdrawal). We continue to remain very focused on the defeat ISIS mission,” Air Force Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder told a news briefing, using an acronym for Islamic State. He added that U.S. forces are in Iraq at the invitation of its government.

Ryder also said that he was unaware of any notification by Baghdad to the Department of Defense about a decision to remove U.S. troops, and referred reporters to the U.S. State Department for any diplomatic discussions on the matter.