Reports: US to reposition troops in Iraq

After two rocket attacks within a week on American troops in Iraq, the United States is preparing to reposition forces there.
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth McKenzie Jr., commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), briefs the media on the status of operations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility in the wake of the attacks; during a briefing at Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., March 13, 2020. President Donald Trump authorizes U.S. military to respond to rocket attack by Iran-backed militia in Iraq that killed two American troops and British service member. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas - RC21JF9L5O31
US Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth McKenzie Jr., commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), briefs the media on the status of operations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility in the wake of the attacks; during a briefing at Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, US, March 13, 2020. - REUTERS/Yuri Gripas
Elizabeth Hagedorn
Elizabeth Hagedorn
@ElizHagedorn

On the heels of another rocket attack targeting a military base housing American forces in Iraq, the US-led coalition assembled to fight the Islamic State is withdrawing troops from some of its smaller bases in the country.

“As a result of the success of Iraqi Security Forces in their fight against ISIS, the Coalition is re-positioning troops from a few smaller bases,” said coalition spokesman Col. Myles B. Caggins III in a statement provided to Al-Monitor. “These bases remain under Iraqi control and we will continue our advising partnership for the permanent defeat of Daesh from other Iraqi military bases.”

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