Washington military moves toward Iraq from Jordan during security necessity

Developments regarding Washington military presence in the region continue amid ongoing field and political shifts. In this context, a US official confirmed that the US military does not rule out launching strikes on Iraqi territory even after the conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve. The official explained in press statements that the United States will be capable of carrying out operations starting from Jordan in the event of any threat to American forces or Washington vital interests. This position comes after the US military announced last Wednesday the completion of the withdrawal of its forces from Iraq, with the departure of the last troops from Erbil base, as part of the transition from the international coalition mission to a bilateral security relationship between Baghdad and Washington. For his part, US President Donald Trump considered that the end of the mission represents a victory for the United States, a victory for Iraq, and a decisive victory against ISIS. Trump added that the United States set a clear mission for its forces and gave military leaders the necessary tools to accomplish it, stressing that he refused to turn the temporary military presence into a permanent one.