The United States has decided to reduce its number of troops in Iraq following Baghdad’s victory over the Islamic State last year.
This decision marks a significant shift in focus for the United States after the collapse of the self-imposed Islamic State Caliphate, with only 4,000 troops planned to remain in Iraq for training purposes.
The withdrawal of troops also comes about three months ahead of Iraqi national elections in which paramilitary groups with close ties to Iraq are set to play significant roles.