In his written statement, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that the HMC is a continuation of the process committed by the two sides during the US-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue held in Washington on August 7-8, 2023.
“IT UNDERLINES OUR COMMITMENT TO DEEPENING OUR SECURITY COOPERATION”
Stating that HMC will ensure the transition to a permanent bilateral security partnership between the USA and Iraq, based on the successes of the mission to defeat DAESH in Iraq and Syria, Austin noted that the DAESH threat, operational and environmental requirements, and the skill levels of Iraqi security forces will be discussed in the meetings.
Austin announced that expert working groups consisting of military and defense professionals will advise the HMC on the most effective change in the mission of the anti-ISIS coalition to prevent the resurgence of ISIS.
Arguing that the USA and Iraq have had a deep and productive partnership on security issues for 10 years at the invitation of the Iraqi government, Austin said, “The beginning of the HMC process reflects the developing US-Iraq bilateral relationship within the scope of the Strategic Framework Agreement and deepens our security cooperation to improve stability in Iraq and the region.” “underlines our commitment.” he said.
HE WANTED US SOLDIERS TO WITHDRAWAL
Following the air strikes carried out by the US against Iranian-backed groups in response to the attacks on its bases in Iraq, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani requested the US to withdraw its troops from the country, but the Pentagon stated that they had not received an official request on this issue.
The USA currently has approximately 2,500 soldiers in Iraq.
Source: AA
