Pentagon to reduce number of troops stationed in Iraq

The United States and its partners will begin reducing their military presence in Iraq, Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said on Tuesday. The reduction comes among other efforts to transition to a long-term security partnership between the United States and Iraq, he said. The United States would work from guidelines in the 2008 U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement to aid Iraq in economic development, foreign investment, and regional leadership. The military pullout was also spurred by America’s success in subduing the ISIS terror group, Parnell said.

U.S. troop numbers in Iraq will fall below 2,000, with most remaining forces stationed in Erbil and focusing on combating ISIS remnants in Syria, Reuters reported.

What does the 2008 framework agreement say?

• The United States won’t launch attacks on other countries from Iraq, or request a permanent military presence and bases there.

• The United States will also support Iraq’s democratic government, promote human rights, and help Iraq establish positive relations with other countries.

• The two countries will develop cultural exchange programs and cooperate in higher education and scientific research.

• The United States will also help Iraq develop its energy, trade, investment, criminal justice, and health systems.

Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s report on War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s new guidelines for the U.S. military.