Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced plans to initiate discussions about the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Iraq. This comes after an American airstrike resulted in the death of an Iraqi militia leader in Baghdad.
In his remarks, al-Sudani emphasized the significance of maintaining sovereignty between Iraq and the U.S. He claimed the recent U.S. airstrike violated Iraqi sovereignty. He stated, In cases of violations by Iraqi parties or breaches of law, only the Iraqi government has the right to address these issues.
The prime minister said a bilateral discussion with the U.S. was being organized to address the presence of approximately 2,500 American troops in Iraq. He stressed the importance of this effort in ensuring complete sovereignty over Iraq’s land, air, and water.
The U.S. airstrike targeted and killed Mushtaq Taleb al-Saidi, leader of the Iranian-backed militia group Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba (HHN), near a security center in Baghdad. HHN is part of the Popular Mobilization Forces, a network of Iranian-linked militias in Iraq.
Such groups have targeted U.S. forces in various regions, including Iraq and Syria, amid heightened tensions following the Israel-Hamas conflict. Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated that U.S. presence in Iraq follows an invitation by the Iraqi government to combat ISIS. However, he emphasized the need for U.S. forces to take protective measures.
Ryder described the airstrike as a necessary and proportionate action and reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with Iraq.
Stay informed about defense and national security issues. Join The Hill’s Defense & National Security newsletter, guided by Ellen Mitchell, for updates on developments at the Pentagon and more.