Pentagon chief in Iraq ahead of 20th anniversary of invasion

Baghdad [Israel], March 8: US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday that US troops would remain in Iraq, as the Pentagon cheif made a surprise visit ahead of the 20th anniversary of the US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.
"The US forces are ready to remain in Iraq at the invitation of the government of Iraq," Austin said in Baghdad, following his meeting with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
He said the US forces are operating in a non-combat, advise, assist and enable role to support the Iraqi-led fight against terrorism.
"This is a critical mission and we are proud to support our Iraqi partners," Austin said, adding that he was "optimistic" about the future of the two countries' partnership.
During the meeting, al-Sudani expressed his government's keenness to strengthen ties with the US as part of its approach to pursue balanced relations with regional and international partners, according to a government statement.
Chaos and sectarian strife followed in the wake of the invasion on March 20, 2003. The conflict spawned the Islamic State Sunni extremist group, which controlled large parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014.
The Iraqi government declared military victory against Islamic State in December 2017. However, the group's operatives continue to carry out attacks and kidnappings across the country.
The US military deployment is a contentious issue in Iraq. The two countries have agreed in recent years to move to a non-combat role for US-led international coalition forces in Iraq, and focus solely on training and advising security forces.
There are currently some 2,500 US soldiers deployed in Iraq, who use Iraqi bases that have been repeatedly attacked by rockets.
Iran-allied militia have repeatedly demanded the US forces' withdrawal.
"Threats or attacks on our forces only undermine that mission," Austin said.
"We must be able to operate safely and securely to continue this vital work," he said, adding that the Iraqi government is committed to ensure that coalition forces "will be protected from state and non-state actors."
Source: Qatar Tribune