US to end its military mission in Iraq this year: Pentagon spokesman, John Kirby

Washington/Manama: – US President Joe Biden is firm on his stand to withdraw the military from Iraq, following Afghanistan. John Kirby, the spokesman of the Pentagon, announced that the US military campaign in Iraq would end before 31st December 2021. Pentagon announced this decision following the discussion between US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Iraqi Defence Minister Jumah Sadun al-Jaburi.

A meeting of the International Institute of Strategic Studies was organised in Manama, the capital of Bahrain. Issues related to global security, political threats and military conflicts were raised during the meeting. Consequently, an independent discussion was held between the US Secretary of Defence and the Iraqi Defence Minister. While speaking to the media, John Kirby, the spokesman of the Pentagon, clarified the importance of the strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq.

Kirby said that the Biden administration would fulfil the promises made during the United States and Iraq meeting in July this year. The Pentagon spokesman informed that the US military campaign would end by the 31st December 2021 and the US soldiers will be withdrawn from Iraq. Kirby said that even afterwards, military consultations and exchange of confidential information will continue in respect of the action against IS.

During the meeting between the US and Iraqi defence ministers, US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, expressed satisfaction over the elections held in Iraq in October. Austin declared that the United States is standing firm behind Iraq against the drone attack on the residence of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi.

At the beginning of November, an attack with drones loaded with explosives was launched to attack the residence of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi. Prime Minister Kadhimi escaped unhurt from the attack. But the Iraqi agencies raised doubts over the effectiveness of the C-RAM system supplied by the United States. Criticism had been made that the system did not set off the siren at the time of the attack, nor did the machine guns start firing at the drone.

Criticism is rife that the United States has lost the confidence of its allies following military withdrawal from Afghanistan. Military withdrawal from Iraq could lead to increasing disbelief in the United States.