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Pentagon waiting out coronavirus to invite allies back to Iraq

The US commander of Operation Inherent Resolve hopes allied forces will return to Iraq once the COVID-19 crisis subsides.
An Iraqi soldier wears a protective face mask as he stands guard at a check point, enforcing a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Baghdad, Iraq May 3, 2020.REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani - RC26HG9KD5MD

The American commander of the international coalition against the Islamic State says he is planning to invite a number of US allies back to Iraq once risk from the coronavirus pandemic begins to subside.

“As I see the health conditions presenting an opportunity, I’ll notify those nations … that in 60 days, I’d like them to return,” Army Lt. Gen. Pat White said today.

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