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FREE Iraq and Syria of ILLEGAL US occupation forces

A place to talk about domestic politics in Middle East (Iran, Iraq , Turkey, Syria) Also includes topics about Assyrian, Armenian, Chaldean .

Re: FREE Iraq and Syria of ILLEGAL US occupation forces

PostAuthor: Anthea » Tue Jan 02, 2024 12:56 pm

Two attacks on US bases in Syria
By Wladimir van Wilgenburg

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A US Pentagon official told Kurdistan24 on Monday that two attacks were carried out on US bases in Syria, with one of them causing minor damage

“Today, there have been two attacks. Multiple rockets were launched at US and Coalition forces at Mission Support Site Euphrates, Syria (Cocono gas field). No casualties and minor damage to infrastructure,” the official said.

“Also, a one-way attack drone was launched at US and Coalition forces at Patrol Base Shaddadi, Syria. No injuries and no damage to infrastructure,” the official added.

The Iran-backed Islamic Resistance of Iraq group claimed responsibility for Monday’s missile attack on the Cocono gas field in Deir ez-Zor and a drone attack on the Shaddadi base.

Since Oct. 17, there have been at least 115 attacks on U.S. and Coalition forces, the Pentagon official added. “51 separate times in Iraq and 64 separate times in Syria.”

Iran-backed groups in Iraq have asserted responsibility for the attacks, attributing them to retaliation for US backing of Israel in the ongoing Gaza conflict, which has been ongoing since October.

    Nevertheless, the Pentagon interprets the primary objective of the Iran-backed groups is to expel the US from both Syria and Iraq.
Nicholas A. Heras, the Senior Director for Strategy and Programs at New Lines Institute, told Kurdistan24 that “US military forces in Syria are far more vulnerable than those in Iraq because the US presence in Syria is forward deployed in vulnerable bases, whereas in Iraq the US forces are concentrated in more defensible bases.”

“It is comparatively easier for Iran-backed groups in Iraq to work with Assad-backed forces in Syria to target US military personnel, although in Syria the US has demonstrated that it is willing to commit significant airstrikes against forces that attack US personnel.”

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/33 ... s-in-Syria

Remember: the US bases in Syria are ILLEGAL
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Re: FREE Iraq and Syria of ILLEGAL US occupation forces

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Re: FREE Iraq and Syria of ILLEGAL US occupation forces

PostAuthor: Anthea » Fri Jan 05, 2024 9:46 pm

Iraqi PM Denounces US Strike

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani on Friday strongly criticized the US targeting Hashd al-Shaabi headquarters in Baghdad, labeling the assault on Iraqi sovereignty as unacceptable

During an event commemorating Soleimani's assassination anniversary held by Hashd al-Shaabi, Sudani told the audience that Iraq has exclusive rights and is capable of defending its sovereignty and enforcing laws.

According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s office, he asserted that the US-led coalition “will withdraw when their justifications no longer hold.”

The strike led to the death of Abu Taqi, commander of the 12th Brigade, and injured six fighters from the Hashd al-Shaabi Nujaba movement.

The US justified the strike as retaliation for militia assaults on its bases in Iraq and Syria, citing Abu Taqi's alleged involvement.

This strike comes amid ongoing tensions between Iran-backed militias and the US, stemming from attacks on the US bases, purportedly in response to Israeli actions in Gaza.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/835409
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Re: FREE Iraq and Syria of ILLEGAL US occupation forces

PostAuthor: Anthea » Fri Jan 05, 2024 10:33 pm

Iraq works to end US presence

Iraq is working to establish a bilateral committee to end the presence of the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) in the country, its prime minister said on Friday while condemning a deadly American drone strike on a pro-Iran militia in Baghdad the previous day

An American drone strike against the pro-Iran Harakat al-Nujaba, which comprises the Popular Mobilization Forces’ (PMF, or Hashd al-Shaabi) 12th Brigade in Iraq’s capital of Baghdad on Thursday killed two, including Mushtaq Talib al-Saeedi, better known as Abu Taqwa, a former commander of al-Nujaba and the deputy commander of PMF’s Baghdad Belt Operations.

“The government is in the process of setting the date to start working on the bilateral committee to make arrangements to permanently end the presence of the international coalition forces in Iraq,” Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani said during a memorial ceremony held by the PMF commemorating the assassination of Iranian top commander Qasem Soleimani and former deputy chief of the PMF Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

“We will not neglect anything that will give Iraq complete national sovereignty over its land and skies,” Sudani said, strongly condemning the US strike a day prior.

In a press briefing late Thursday, Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder confirmed the strike and said Abu Taqwa “was actively involved in planning and carrying out attacks against American personnel.”

“It is important to note that the strike was taken in self-defense, that no civilians were harmed and that no infrastructure or facilities were struck,” he elaborated.

Six members of al-Nujaba were wounded in the strike.

“We affirm our firm and principled position in ending the presence of the international coalition after the justifications of its existence have ended,” Sudani reiterated, stressing that the Iraqi government “will not back down from this commitment.”

Sudani has previously said the coalition’s presence in Iraq is no longer required as ISIS has been rendered unable to pose security threats to the country.

On Thursday, the Iraqi government slammed the US-led coalition for the drone strike, calling it a “blatant violation of sovereignty” and “no different from a terrorist act.”

Al-Nujaba is among the Iran-backed groups that Washington blames for a spate of drone attacks on American interests in Iraq and Syria since mid-October in response to American support for Israel in its war against Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a network of shadow Iraqi militia groups backed by Iran and affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has claimed responsibility for most of the recent attacks, numbering at over 100, on US troops in Iraq and Syria.

Around 2,500 American troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria are leading an international coalition through Operation Inherent Resolve that has assisted Kurdish, Iraqi, and local Syrian forces in the fight against ISIS, which once held swathes of land in Iraq and Syria but was declared territorially defeated in 2017 and 2019 respectively.

In a late December joint presser with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Baghdad, Sudani praised Spain’s role within the coalition but said “the presence of capable Iraqi forces” ensures that their services are no longer required.

The Iraqi government previously denounced the attacks on US personnel in the country, but an American retaliatory attack against the pro-Iran groups which killed eight members of the government-linked PMF in late November triggered heavy backlash from Baghdad, who condemned the attack and labeled it as a violation of its sovereignty.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/050120241
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Re: FREE Iraq and Syria of ILLEGAL US occupation forces

PostAuthor: Anthea » Tue Jan 09, 2024 1:36 am

No Plans for US Withdrawal

The Pentagon has confirmed that there are no immediate plans to withdraw its approximately 2,500 troops from Iraq, contrary to Baghdad's recent declaration to initiate the removal process of the US-led military Coalition from the country

"Right now, I'm not aware of any plans (to plan for withdrawal). We continue to remain very focused on the defeat ISIS mission," Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder told reporters, reminding that forces are in Iraq at the invitation of Baghdad, as cited by Reuters.

Ryder stated he had no knowledge of any notification from Baghdad to the Department of Defense regarding a decision to withdraw US troops. He directed reporters to the US State Department for information concerning diplomatic discussions on the matter.

This comes as pro-Iran Hahsd al-Shaabi has already begun collecting signatures at the Iraqi parliament for the withdrawal of US and Global Coalition forces from the country.

Hawar Nerwayi, an expert on Hashd al-Shaabi groups and Iraqi militias, told BasNews on Sunday that Hashd al-Shaabi-associated groups currently occupy crucial positions within the Iraqi federal government. He highlighted that the majority representation of the Coordination Framework's forces in the Iraqi parliament could set the stage for a potential vote favoring the withdrawal of US troops.

Nevertheless, Nerwayi stressed that such a decision might disproportionately favor Iran and Hashd al-Shaabi, potentially sidelining the interests of Sunni Arabs and Kurds. He warned that the outcome, if lacking compromise and balance, could be swayed by the majority, raising concerns about marginalized perspectives in the decision-making process.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/835753

Americans are like a plague, once they invade a country they totally ignore that government's requests for them to leave and refuse to go
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Re: FREE Iraq and Syria of ILLEGAL US occupation forces

PostAuthor: Anthea » Wed Jan 10, 2024 6:38 pm

Iraq Seeks Withdrawal of US

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has said that his country wants a swift and orderly negotiated departure of US-led military forces from Iraq, but has not set a deadline

In an exclusive interview with Reuters on Tuesday, Sudani said that the US exit should be negotiated under "a process of understanding and dialogue."

"Let's agree on a time frame (for the coalition's exit) that is, honestly, quick, so that they don't remain long and the attacks keep happening," he said, adding that only putting an end to Israel's conflict with Gaza would mitigate the risk of regional escalation.

Sudani stated that Iraq is open to forming bilateral relations and participating in security cooperation with Coalition nations, including the US, which could include training and advising Iraqi security forces, along with potential weapons purchases.

"The US is not an enemy to us and we are not at war with it, but if these tensions continue, it will definitely impact and create a gap in this relationship," he said.

Pro-Iran Hahsd al-Shaabi has started collecting signatures in the Iraqi parliament to push for the withdrawal of US and Global Coalition forces from the country.

The Pentagon confirmed on Monday that it had no immediate plans to withdraw its roughly 2,500 troops from Iraq, despite Baghdad's recent declaration to initiate the removal process.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/835958
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Re: FREE Iraq and Syria of ILLEGAL US occupation forces

PostAuthor: Anthea » Fri Jan 12, 2024 2:47 am

US want strong Coalition presence

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The US envoy to Erbil and the Kurdistan Region’s minister of Peshmerga on Thursday discussed the importance of maintaining a “strong Coalition presence” to assist and advise the Iraqi army and Peshmerga forces in the fight against terrorism, according to a US Consulate General social media post

Consul General Mark Stroh on early Thursday met with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Minister of Peshmerga Affairs Shorish Ismael in Erbil, where they discussed the ongoing reform program at the ministry as well as the presence of US-led Coalition against ISIS.

“We discussed the importance of maintaining a strong Coalition presence to advise, assist, and enable Peshmerga and ISF Forces to ensure the enduring defeat of Da’esh (The Arabic acronym for ISIS),” the US Consulate General wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

The US diplomat also congratulated Minister Ismael on his return to the ministry and discussed the ongoing reform at the ministry aimed at unifying and modernizing the Kurdish forces.

In a meeting on Tuesday with Maj. Gen. Joel B. Vowell, Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve in Syria and Iraq, the Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani reiterated the importance of maintaining the mission of the international troops to support the Iraqi army and Peshmerga in combating terrorism and maintaining overall security and stability.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani has recently announced that his government is working towards ending the Coalition’s mission, which had supported the Iraqi army and Peshmerga forces in defeating ISIS in a three-year battle through airstrikes, training, and armament.

The call for withdrawing the Coalition forces came after the Iraqi government had recently accused the international troops of a deadly drone strike last week on an Iranian-backed militia in the center of Baghdad, killing a top commander along his associates.

The Coalition forces since November last year have come under repeated drone attacks launched by the Iranian-backed militia forces in Iraq and Syria. The Pentagon has announced around 120 such attacks following the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/33 ... e%E2%80%99

Both Syrian and Iraqi governments have asked the US to remove themselves and their illegal bases but the US are determined to stay put X(
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Re: FREE Iraq and Syria of ILLEGAL US occupation forces

PostAuthor: Anthea » Sun Jan 14, 2024 9:51 am

Ending US presence in Iraq

Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, the First Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, emphasizes the principled and firm nature of the parliamentary decision to expel the US-led international coalition from Iraq

The First Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, stated that the parliamentary decision to boot the US-led international coalition from Iraq is "principled and resolute," urging Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani to implement it.

Al-Mandalawi's remarks were made at the beginning of a parliamentary session on Saturday evening, as per a press release released by the media department of the Iraqi Parliament on Sunday.

    This comes shortly after Al-Sudani called for an agreement on a specific timeframe for the withdrawal of the US-led international coalition in Iraq which "honestly" needs to be "quick"
In an interview with Reuters on January 10, al-Sudani said "Let's agree on a timeframe that is, honestly, quick, so that they don't remain long and the attacks keep happening."

Moreover, the Prime Minister explained that to avoid "more expansion of the arena of conflict in a sensitive region," the "devastating killing machine [in Gaza]" must be brought to an end and humanitarian aid must be delivered "as soon as possible."

Al-Sudani stressed that this "is the only solution"

It is worth noting that the US-led coalition’s exit from Iraq gained steam most notably after the assistant commander of the Baghdad Ring operations in the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Hajj Moshtaq Taleb Al-Saidi (Abou Taqwa) martyred in a US airstrike that targeted the headquarters of the PMF in eastern Baghdad on January 4.

This comes in the context of the persistent attacks by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq against US occupation bases in Iraq and Syria as part of their commitment to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza who face a genocidal war sponsored by the US.

Iraqi position on US presence

Earlier in January, al-Sudani emphasized the importance of remaining true to the promise of ending the presence of the US-led international coalition in Iraq.

    In a speech commemorating the lives of "the leaders of victory," in reference to martyrs Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the Iraqi Premier affirmed Baghdad's "steadfast and principled position," which "is to end the presence of the (US-led) coalition, as it has overstayed its purported mission."
The United States redeployed a large force in Iraq following an agreement with the Iraqi government which mandated the US military to support the country in its fight against ISIS. Under a Combined Joint Task Force, dubbed "Operation Inherent Resolve," the US has maintained a large presence, including two airbases, through which it claims to fight terrorism in the region.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... --deputy-s
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Re: FREE Iraq and Syria of ILLEGAL US occupation forces

PostAuthor: Anthea » Fri Jan 19, 2024 1:45 am

US base near Erbil Airport targeted

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced on Thursday the targeting of the US occupation base near Erbil Airport in northern Iraq using drones

Earlier, Pentagon deputy spokesperson Sabrina Singh noted that US forces stationed in Iraq and Syria have come under attack 140 times since October 17. Speaking during a press briefing, Singh disclosed that the attacks have been "persistent and alarming".

"To date, there have been approximately 140 attacks on US troops in Iraq and Syria: 57 attacks in Iraq and 83 attacks in Syria," she pointed out.

On Sunday, the Resistance confirmed targeting three US occupation bases in Iraq and Syria using rockets and drones. In a statement, the Iraqi Resistance mentioned that its fighters attacked with missiles the Kharab al-Jir base in the countryside of al-Hasakah province in northeastern Syria and the Conoco oil field base in eastern Deir Ezzor, eastern Syria, as well as the US occupation base in the Iraqi Kurdistan's Erbil airport.

It reiterated that the targeting of US occupation bases in Iraq and the region comes in response to the massacres committed by the Israeli occupation entity against the people of the Gaza Strip, as well as due to Washington's support for the Israeli occupation and its essential role in the ongoing aggression.

Since October 17, the Resistance in Iraq has been consistently targeting US occupation bases in Iraq and Syria, pointing out that these operations come as part of their ongoing resistance against US occupation forces in the region and in response to the Israeli occupation entity's massacres against the Palestinian people in Gaza.

It is noteworthy that the Resistance's targets are not limited to US forces but also include Israeli targets. In fact, the Iraqi Resistance has claimed responsibility for several strikes on vital Israeli targets in southern occupied Palestine and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.

A couple of days ago, the Resistance claimed responsibility for targeting a vital site in the coastal occupied city of Haifa using an "al-Arqab" upgraded long-range cruise missile. It marked the second time the Iraqi Resistance targets occupied Haifa with the same cruise missile. Israeli media reported on Sunday morning a large explosion in the occupied Haifa Bay near the oil refineries.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... t-with-dro
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Re: FREE Iraq and Syria of ILLEGAL US occupation forces

PostAuthor: Anthea » Sat Jan 20, 2024 8:36 pm

Iraq Rejects Additional US Troops

Major General Yahya Rasoul, spokesperson for the Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief, dismissed reports on Saturday claiming that there is no need for additional foreign troops within Iraqi territory

In a statement to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Rasoul addressed the false reports, stating, "The reports about the entry of additional foreign forces into Iraq are not true."

He highlighted ongoing efforts with the international coalition to coordinate the withdrawal schedule and reassess the overall relationship.

Rasoul emphasized the Iraqi government's commitment to ending foreign presence, stating, "The Iraqi government is moving towards ending the foreign presence in Iraq." He outlined a vision for the next stage, involving joint technical work to conclude the international coalition's mission and transition to bilateral security and military cooperation, particularly in armament and advice.

This statement serves as a response to recent news, initially reported by CBS Philadelphia on January 14, suggesting that the US plans to deploy an extra 1,500 soldiers to Syria and Iraq to join the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS).

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/837024
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Re: FREE Iraq and Syria of ILLEGAL US occupation forces

PostAuthor: Anthea » Thu Jan 25, 2024 4:53 am

US plans to end Syria occupation

The Foreign Policy cites top US officials explaining that Washington no longer deems its presence in Syria as necessary

The United States is considering pulling out its occupation forces from Syria following almost a decade of illegal presence under the guise of fighting the Islamic State, deeming further presence in the country as "unnecessary," the Foreign Policy reported on Tuesday, citing US senior officials.

This potential measure comes amid increasingly growing risks of a regional war in the Middle East as the US-backed Israeli ongoing genocide on Gaza nears its 4-month mark, and Washington reassessing its military priorities.

Since pushing forces into eastern and northeastern Syria, the US went on to establish several military bases and sites, where some 900 soldiers are currently stationed as per Pentagon claims, to oversee the stealing of the country's vast oil and gas resources, as well as destabilizing its security and backing proxy groups such as the Syrian Democratic Forces.
Israelis dragging the US into regional war becoming a reality

Israelis have so far killed over 25,700 people in Gaza, over 70% of which are children and women, destroyed more than three-quarters of Palestinian homes, and put most major civilian facilities such as hospitals and schools, in addition to crucial infrastructure including sewage and water purification systems, out of service.

In response to the brutal crimes, regional Resistance factions have launched a phase of operations against Israeli and US targets, given Washington's direct involvement in the war. US bases in Iraq and Syria have since been attacked over 150 times by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq group.

This also saw a Yemeni-enforced ban on Israeli and "Israel"-bound ships in the Red Sea, which later evolved into Sanaa listing US and UK naval assets among the target bank after the two countries carried out several aggressions on Yemen.

The Yemeni threat was carried out last week when the country's armed forces struck and hit a US military cargo ship - Ocean Jazz - near the Gulf of Aden.

In retrospect, concerns publicly voiced by top officials in Biden's administration that the Israeli occupation entity seeks to drag Washington into a war in the region are becoming a reality.

'You got nothing'

Citing four Pentagon and State Department sources, the Foreign Policy reported that no final decision has been made, while discussions are underway to determine the method and time of the withdrawal.

In the past few weeks, the United States attacked positions for the Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah inside Iraq, a member of the governmental Popular Mobilization Forces PMF. This caused a severe backlash by Baghdad, which initiated a process to end the presence of foreign forces in the country.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is now publicly calling the US-led coalition to exit the country, explaining that the agreed-upon mission to end ISIS has been fulfilled.

Former President Donald Trump was the first to make such suggestions public.

In 2019, Trump ordered a withdrawal of US forces from northern Syria and restationing them in Iraq.

His decision came amid a military campaign launched by Turkey on Syrian grounds against Washington's Kurdish allies.

Trump then explained that his decision was driven by the high expenses of maintaining the forces in the country with no significant gains, and not wanting to fight the Kurd's war on behalf of them.

However, the process failed to proceed after he lost the 2020 reelection.

Come today, in a 2024 presidential rally in New Hampshire on Tuesday, Trump, the top Republican candidate now leading polls, slammed Washington's current Middle East policies.

Addressing a crowd of supporters, Trump said "Here we go again with the Middle East! We spent $9 trillion, and killed millions of people, including on our side and their side. You know what we got? Nothing! you got death, you got Blood. you got Nothing!”

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... ons-heat-u
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Re: FREE Iraq and Syria of ILLEGAL US occupation forces

PostAuthor: Anthea » Thu Jan 25, 2024 4:58 am

Unwelcome US occupation forces

Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the United States and Iraq are on the verge of engaging in discussions regarding the future of the US occupation of Iraq

The talks, facilitated by a higher military commission (HMC) formed last summer, will center on the next phase of the US-led international coalition that has been occupying Iraq against the will of the Iraqi people for decades, a US official told CNN.

The Iraqi Resistance's operations against the US occupation forces have proven to be potent, with CNN reporting that the recent airstrikes launched by the US against local Resistance groups after the latter attacked US forces in Syria and Iraq in a bid to boot them out due to their support of the Israeli occupation in light of the ongoing genocide in Gaza made the discussions more important.

As the United States violated Iraq's sovereignty, calls from the Iraqi government for the withdrawal of US troops have amplified in response to these strikes.

    The talks will delve into the feasibility and timing of ending the US military occupation. The US is seeking a conditions-based approach as it continues to uphold the pretext that it is maintaining a presence in Iraq to fight off ISIS despite the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, notably the Popular Mobilization Forces, underlining that they do not need aid from the imperialist state
In contrast, some factions within the Iraqi government advocate for a timeline-based schedule, independent of the country's security situation.

"The HMC will be an opportunity to jointly evaluate the conditions required for the future of the D-ISIS fight in Iraq and shape the nature of the bilateral security relationship. The timing is not related to recent attacks. The US will maintain full right of self-defense during the talk," the US official added to the news outlet.

Despite recent strikes and the wider regional instability, the Pentagon emphasizes that the Iraqi government has not formally requested a US military withdrawal and underscores that US troops are in Iraq at the invitation of the government.

Iraq's foreign minister hinted at the impending discussions, stating that he received an important message from the US government, to be studied by the Prime Minister and relevant authorities. No set deadline exists for the conclusion of the talks.

While the US maintains a presence in Syria to combat ISIS, officials have clarified that a withdrawal from Syria is not currently under consideration by the Biden Administration despite the near-identical sentiment being prevalent there.

The move to expel the US gained momentum in Iraq after the assassination of top Iraqi and Iranian anti-terror commanders four years ago following the height of the fight against terror in the region, with the Iraqi parliament adopting a law to expel foreign forces. The targeted drone strike, authorized by then-President Donald Trump, claimed the lives of General Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis near the Baghdad International Airport on January 3, 2020.

Soleimani, the commander of the elite Quds Force unit of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), and al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), played pivotal roles in countering the ISIS terrorist group in the region, particularly Iraq and Syria.

US unwelcome

A statement from the Iraqi parliament emphasized the irrevocable nature of the legislation adopted in January 2020, requiring the government to end the presence of all US-led foreign military forces in the Arab country.

The United States redeployed a large force in Iraq following an agreement with the Iraqi government which mandated the US military to support the country in its fight against ISIS. Under a Combined Joint Task Force, dubbed "Operation Inherent Resolve," the US has maintained a large presence, including two airbases, through which it claims to fight terrorism in the region.

Deputy Speaker Mohsen al-Mandalawi declared that the bill enjoys widespread popular support and urged the government to implement the legislation while focusing on bolstering Iraqi security forces rather than relying on foreign troops to combat terror groups.

Al-Sudani's statement echoes a similar one made last week, wherein he called for an agreement on a specific timeframe for the withdrawal of the US-led international coalition in Iraq which "honestly" needs to be "quick".

In an interview for Reuters, al-Sudani said, "Let's agree on a timeframe that is, honestly, quick, so that they don't remain long and the attacks keep happening."

Moreover, the Prime Minister explained that to avoid "more expansion of the arena of conflict in a sensitive region," the "devastating killing machine [in Gaza]" must be brought to an end and humanitarian aid must be delivered "as soon as possible."

Al-Sudani stressed that this "is the only solution".

"There is a need to reorganize this relationship so that it is not a target or justification for any party, internal or foreign, to tamper with stability in Iraq and the region," the Prime Minister said, emphasizing that Iraq can now defend itself against terrorism and should exercise its full sovereignty upon the entirety of its territory, thereby avoiding providing any pretext to drag Iraq into a regional conflict.

Additionally, al-Sudani explained that for Baghdad the US "is not an enemy," and that Baghdad is "not at war with it, but if these tensions continue it will definitely impact and create a gap in this relationship."

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... us-occupat
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Re: FREE Iraq and Syria of ILLEGAL US occupation forces

PostAuthor: Anthea » Thu Jan 25, 2024 12:19 pm

US to remain in Syria

The Biden Administration is not considering the withdrawal of US forces from Syria, despite previous sources indicating such a plan

This follows a report by Foreign Policy magazine, stating that sources from the US State Department and Pentagon disclosed considerations for withdrawing forces from Syria. The magazine noted ongoing discussions within the US administration regarding the timing and method of any potential withdrawal.

"While no definitive decision to leave has been made, four sources within the Defense and State departments suggest the White House no longer sees the mission as necessary," reported Foreign Policy on Wednesday. "Active internal discussions are underway to determine how and when a withdrawal may occur."

Contrary to this, Al-Hadath said in a report that the Joe Biden administration is not contemplating a troop withdrawal from Syria.

Pro-Iran armed militias in Iraq and Syria continue attacking US-led Coalition bases, particularly following the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip in October. The militias claim that they attack the US forces in response to Washington’s support for Israel in Gaza.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/837498
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Re: FREE Iraq and Syria of ILLEGAL US occupation forces

PostAuthor: Anthea » Wed Jan 31, 2024 12:29 am

Attacks on US Forces suspended

The pro-Iran Hezbollah in Iraq has announced the suspension of attacks against US forces in the region to “prevent” causing any disruption to the Iraqi federal government

Hezbollah leader Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi announced this decision in a statement issued on Tuesday, citing the Iraqi federal government's position and a shift in focus “towards supporting relatives” in the Gaza Strip.

Hamidawi noted that the Iraqi federal government, “unashamedly”, had called for the suspension of military attacks against what they referred to as "occupying" forces in Iraq. He emphasized a new approach to supporting their counterparts in Gaza, suggesting alternative methods to defend their interests.

The Hezbollah leader urged militiamen to remain vigilant and prepared to defend themselves against any “hostile” action by the United States or its forces in the region. The statement comes amid heightened tensions and a series of attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria.

The Pentagon reported more than 160 attacks on US forces in the Middle East since October 17, resulting in the death of three soldiers and the injury of more than 120 others. The United States attributes these attacks to Iranian-backed militia groups, holding Iran responsible.

While the US has been clear in identifying the source of these attacks, there is a cautious approach to avoiding an escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Despite threats to their forces, the US appears reluctant to expand the conflict in the region, opting for measured responses to attacks.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/838042
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Re: FREE Iraq and Syria of ILLEGAL US occupation forces

PostAuthor: Anthea » Fri Feb 02, 2024 4:34 pm

US, Iraq to Discuss Future Cooperation

WASHINGTON DC, United States (Kurdistan 24) – On Thursday, U.S. defense officials announced that meetings of the U.S.-Iraq Higher Military Commission (HMC) would start soon

Those officials—in two briefings, as well as a statement issued by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin—made it clear that the purpose of the meetings was not to discuss an end to the U.S. military presence in Iraq, as Iraqi officials have been suggesting.

Rather, the purpose of the meetings, U.S. officials said, was to plan a framework for future security cooperation between Washington and Baghdad. Indeed, the report on this issue of the highly regarded U.S. military magazine, Task and Purpose, was titled, “US military pushes back on reports it may withdraw troops from Iraq.”

U.S.-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue

The HMC was established last August during meetings of the U.S.-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue, as Austin explained. That meeting, held in Washington, was led by Austin on the U.S. side and, on the Iraqi side, by the Defense Minister, Thabet al-Abbasi.

After the first day of the Strategic Dialogue, Abbasi stressed that it is “most important now to enhance relationships and the cooperation between us and the United States moving forward.”

“We are very encouraged,” Abbasi said, and “we are not going to leave Washington without success.”

HMC Meetings

Regarding the just-announced HMC meetings, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary, Sabrina Singh, told journalists on Thursday they would start “in coming days.”

But the HMC, she explained, “is not a negotiation about the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq.” :((

Rather, expert working groups will discuss “three key factors,” she said: “the threat from ISIS; operational and environmental requirements; and the Iraqi Security Forces’ capability levels.”

Speaking earlier to journalists on condition of anonymity, a Senior Defense Official even suggested that other parties would be involved.

“The HMC will be led by U.S. and Iraqi delegations, in close consultation with Coalition partners every step of the way,” he said.

He also stressed, as Singh did, “the HMC meeting is not a negotiation about the withdrawal of U,S, forces from Iraq.”

Rather, the ultimate aim of the HMC is to establish a “timeline” in which the defense relationship between Iraq and the U.S. will “transition” from the current mission of defeating ISIS to what Singh described as “an enduring bilateral security partnership.”

As the Senior Defense Official put it, “The United States and the Coalition are in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government to fight ISIS,” adding, “our Iraqi partners have assured us of their commitment toward working together to shape this future U.S. military presence and ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS.”

Middle East Tensions—and Resulting Double Speak

Asked directly whether the Iraqi government had requested that U.S. forces leave the country, Singh responded, “We’ve received no request from the government of Iraq to withdraw our forces.”

One would not know that, however, from official statements in Baghdad, which suggest that the talks are about ending the U.S. military presence in Iraq. :D

The announcement of the start of the HMC discussions comes amid rising tensions throughout the Middle East against the backdrop of the war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’s bloody Oct. 7 assault on Israel. That includes attacks carried out by pro-Iranian militias on military bases in Iraq and Syria that host U.S. troops.

As the Institute for the Study of War explained, “Iran and its so-called ‘Axis of Resistance’ are exploiting the Israel-Hamas war to support their objective of expelling US forces from the Middle East.”

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shi’a al-Sudani is a reasonable figure and not a sectarian chauvinist. It was, after all, the decision of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, and its leader, Masoud Barzani, that ended the year-long stalemate that followed Iraq’s 2021 elections and made Sudani the new prime minister.

But Sudani is under great pressure from pro-Iranian elements to move against the U.S. military presence in Iraq, as an informed source advised Kurdistan 24. And, the source added, Washington is fully aware of Sudani’s difficulties.

Thus, Baghdad’s announcement of the start of the HMC had a different emphasis. Iraqi officials, including Defense Minister Abbasi, portrayed it as the start of talks to end the U.S. military presence in Iraq—a very different position from that which he had expressed just six months before!

That is the effect of Iranian pressure, which Washington has been slow to recognize and counter, as critics, like Amb. John Bolton, have complained.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/33 ... Withdrawal
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Re: FREE Iraq and Syria of ILLEGAL US occupation forces

PostAuthor: Anthea » Fri Feb 02, 2024 10:42 pm

U.S. forces strike more than
    85 targets in Iraq and Syria
By Wladimir van Wilgenburg

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The U.S. military forces conducted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and affiliated militia groups, U.S. CENTCOM confirmed on Saturday

"U.S. military forces struck more than 85 targets, with numerous aircraft to include long-range bombers flown from United States," the statement said.

"The airstrikes employed more than 125 precision munitions. The facilities that were struck included command and control operations, centers, intelligence centers, rockets, and missiles, and unmanned aired vehicle storages, and logistics and munition supply chain facilities of militia groups and their IRGC sponsors who facilitated attacks against U.S. and Coalition forces."

The strikes are a retaliation for the death of three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers at a remote US base in Jordan. They were killed by a drone strike carried out by the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah group.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/33 ... a:-CENTCOM
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