Baghdad: The US Department of Defense has announced plans to reduce its military presence and operations in Iraq, marking a transition to a permanent relations phase and signaling the end of the ISIS era.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the move is in accordance with the President’s directives and aligns with the work of the US-Iraq Higher Military Committee and a joint statement issued on September 27, 2024. The United States, along with its coalition partners, will scale back their military mission in Iraq.

Parnell explained that the reduction is a result of shared success in combating ISIS and is a step toward establishing a lasting security partnership between the United States and Iraq. This transition aligns with US national interests, the Iraqi constitution, and the US-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement.

The spokesperson highlighted that the partnership will support both American and Iraqi security and enhance Iraq’s capacity for economic development, foreign investment, and regional leadership. Parnell also emphasized the continued coordination between the US government, the Iraqi government, and coalition members to ensure a responsible and orderly transition.