ERBIL — The Pentagon has confirmed that there are no immediate plans to withdraw its approximately 2,500 troops from Iraq, contrary to Baghdad's recent declaration to initiate the removal process of the US-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 Major General Patrick Ryder told reporters, reminding that forces are in Iraq at the invitation of Baghdad, as cited by Reuters.
Ryder stated he had no knowledge of any notification from Baghdad to the Department of Defense regarding a decision to withdraw US troops. He directed reporters to the US State Department for information concerning diplomatic discussions on the matter.
This comes as pro-Iran Hahsd al-Shaabi has already begun collecting signatures at the Iraqi parliament for the withdrawal of US and Global Coalition forces from the country.
Hawar Nerwayi, an expert on Hashd al-Shaabi groups and Iraqi militias, told BasNews on Sunday that Hashd al-Shaabi-associated groups currently occupy crucial positions within the Iraqi federal government. He highlighted that the majority representation of the Coordination Framework's forces in the Iraqi parliament could set the stage for a potential vote favoring the withdrawal of US troops.
Nevertheless, Nerwayi stressed that such a decision might disproportionately favor Iran and Hashd al-Shaabi, potentially sidelining the interests of Sunni Arabs and Kurds. He warned that the outcome, if lacking compromise and balance, could be swayed by the majority, raising concerns about marginalized perspectives in the decision-making process.