US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States is withdrawing from Iraq, describing the move as a victory for both America and Iraq. Speaking at a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at the White House, Trump said the US is leaving Iraq with a new prime minister, whom he described as "really terrific".
Trump emphasized that the withdrawal of US troops and equipment from Iraq is a significant achievement, marking the end of a costly and challenging mission. He stated that it is time for America to return home and for US soldiers to come back to their families. The withdrawal from Iraq's Erbil airbase is being carried out in an organized manner, according to Trump.
The US President highlighted the success of the US mission in Iraq, particularly in defeating the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group. He drew a comparison with the US experience in Afghanistan, where he said America lost 4,500 soldiers and all of its military equipment. In contrast, Trump claimed that the US had achieved a decisive victory in Iraq without losing any territory or equipment.
Trump also referenced the US military's actions in other parts of the world, stating that America had destroyed the naval and air forces of Iran. He expressed confidence that the US would achieve a similar victory in the near future. The President's comments on Iran and Afghanistan were part of a broader discussion of US foreign policy and military interventions.
The US withdrawal from Iraq comes at a time of significant change in the country, with a new prime minister taking office. Trump praised the new Iraqi leader, saying that he was "really terrific" and that the US was proud to be working with him. The US has maintained a military presence in Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003.
In a further comparison with Afghanistan, Trump noted that the US had not lost any soldiers during a recent operation in Venezuela. He did not provide further details on the nature of the operation or its objectives. The US has been involved in a range of military and diplomatic efforts in Venezuela in recent years, aimed at supporting the country's democratic opposition.
The US withdrawal from Iraq is likely to have significant implications for the country's security and stability. The US has played a key role in supporting the Iraqi military in its fight against ISIS, and the withdrawal of US troops may create new challenges for the Iraqi security forces. The US will maintain a diplomatic presence in Iraq, but the scale and nature of its future involvement are unclear.
Key points
- The US is withdrawing its troops from Iraq, citing a victory over ISIS.
- Trump drew a comparison between the US experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- The US withdrawal from Iraq comes at a time of significant change in the country, with a new prime minister taking office.
