The US does not rule out strikes in Iraq after the withdrawal of troops if a threat arises
Quick Look
- The United States reserves the right to carry out strikes in Iraq from Jordanian territory in the event of a threat to military or national interests, despite the official end of the operation against ISIS and the withdrawal of troops.
- The forces will be focused on fighting IS cells in Syria and may return to Iraq and Syria at the request of these countries.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The United States has completed Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS in Iraq, announcing the withdrawal of the last units. The operation lasted 12 years. Despite the withdrawal of troops, the United States remains interested in stability in the region and remains ready to respond to threats.
The United States does not rule out launching strikes in Iraq if it sees a threat on its territory, despite the completion of the operation against ISIS*.
US forces will redeploy to Jordan and will be able to launch attacks on targets inside Iraq if they perceive threats to the military or US interests.
MOSCOW, October 1 - RIA Novosti. The United States does not rule out launching strikes in Iraq if it sees a threat on its territory, even despite the official completion of its operation in the country against the Islamic State* (IS*, banned in the Russian Federation), the Washington Post reports, citing an unnamed American official.
According to the newspaper, US forces from Iraq will be redeployed to Jordan and will focus on fighting IS cells in Syria.
“US forces will also be able to conduct attacks on targets in Iraq from there (from Jordan – ed.) if they see threats to the military or US interests,” the publication writes.
The source also added that if the group leaves the control of Iraq and Syria and these countries request US assistance, then American forces may return to their territory.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that the US military would be ready to return and provide assistance to the Iraqi authorities if necessary, despite the withdrawal of US troops from the country.
Trump, following the Pentagon, announced the withdrawal of the last American troops from Iraq and the end of the international Operation Inherent Resolve, calling the 12-year military campaign the end of a “costly excursion into hell.”
At the same time, the Pentagon said that although ensuring security in the region now falls on the Iraqi armed forces, the United States will continue to provide the country with limited assistance in military training and the transfer of intelligence.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The US could strike targets in Iraq from Jordan if it detects a threat from residual IS forces*
Possible · Within months
US forces will focus on fighting ISIS cells in Syria after redeploying from Iraq to Jordan
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific criteria will be used to determine the "threat" in Iraq?
- How does Jordan feel about the deployment of US forces capable of striking Iraq?
- What form of limited military and intelligence training assistance will be provided to Iraq?
