The US Department of Defense has said that it has no plans to withdraw about 2,500 of its troops from Iraq, despite Baghdad's announcement last week that it would begin the process of withdrawing the US-led military coalition from the country. This was reported by Reuters.

"At this time, I am not aware of any plans (to withdraw troops - ed.). We continue to remain very focused on the mission to defeat ISIS," said US Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder.


He also said he was not aware of any communication from Baghdad about the decision to withdraw American troops and indicated that journalists should contact the US State Department for information on diplomatic discussions on this issue.


It should be reminded that the office of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani determined the beginning of the process of withdrawal of American troops after an American drone strike in Baghdad, which led to the condemnation of the Iraqi government. The Pentagon reported that a militant leader responsible for attacks on American personnel was killed in the strike.


Al-Sudani's office issued a statement noting that a committee would be formed to discuss "the final termination of the international coalition's presence in Iraq," emphasizing the coalition's determination to end its existence if there is no longer any loss to its existence.