US-led coalition withdraws combating troops in Iraq

SANAA, Dec. 27 (YPA) – The US-led coalition  in Iraq said has no longer combat troops in Iraq since early December.

“As of December 9th, no US or coalition forces are playing a combat role in Iraq,” the coalition said in a statement on Sunday.

“We were ahead of schedule (on the withdrawal of combat forces) and implemented the commitments made in the US-Iraq dialogue.”

“Early withdrawal was possible because of the tremendous progress made by Iraqi security forces, including Peshmerga forces (for the northern Kurdistan region), in developing the ability and capability to lead the fight against ISIS terrorist gangs,” it said.

“For the  remaining US and coalition forces in Iraq, the main task is to advise and assist and enable Iraqi security forces to maintain the permanent defeat of ISIS.”

E.M