Biden announces the end of the US military mission in Iraq

The "new phase" of Washington's relationship with Baghdad will continue to include the fight against ISIS, Biden said. However, the US military mission in Iraq will be completed by the end of the year. The United States will complete its military mission in Iraq by the end of this year. US President Joseph Biden said this on Monday, July 26, during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kazimi at the White House. According to Biden, this will be a "new phase" in relations between the two countries. Cooperation between Washington and Baghdad in the fight against terrorism will continue, the American leader stressed. "Our role in Iraq will be to be there, continue to train (the Iraqi military - Ed.), help and assist in the fight against the Islamic State," the head of the White House told reporters attending the meeting. Thus, Washington's new plan does not provide for a full-scale withdrawal of troops. Instead, US soldiers will continue to provide training, logistic support and consulting to Iraqi troops. Pressure on al-Kazimi in Iraq Iraqi Prime Minister al-Kazimi is under intense pressure in his country. Just a week ago, about 30 people were killed and at least 60 were injured in a suicide attack on a market outside Baghdad. At the same time, the influence of pro-Iranian rebels groups in Iraq is growing, demanding the withdrawal of about 2,500 American soldiers. This year, pro-Iranian groups have carried out about 50 missile and unmanned attacks on US bases in Iraq, AFP said. The US military has played an active role in the fight against the Islamic State terrorist group. However, already under Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump, most of the contingent was withdrawn from Iraq. The remaining military personnel are officially employed as consultants and trainers for the Iraqi army.