January 26 - Russian diplomat says U.S. to withdraw from Syria after Iraq

 


Jan 26, 2024. Posted by  Balkan Periscope - Hellas

Damascus, Syria.

Russian Special Envoy for Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, said on Friday that the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq will “undoubtedly” be followed by a similar step in Syria.

On Thursday, the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement reaching an agreement with the United States which included formulating a timetable for the U.S.-led Coalition’s withdrawal from the country.

Currently, the U.S. has 2,500 troops in Iraq whose role is to support and advise local forces in order to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS). However, the mission’s presence in Iraq is facing increasing pressure.

Iraq, a rare ally of both Iran and the U.S., has seen increasing back-and-forth attacks between Iran-backed militias and U.S. forces since the Gaza war.

In a press conference, Lavrentiev added that it would be impossible for the U.S. to provide logistical support to their forces in Syria without the ability to use Iraqi territory.

Earlier Friday, Lavrentiev said that Baghdad had informed Moscow of Washington’s readiness to withdraw its forces from Iraq.

North Press

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