US Troops in Iraq
ISIS presence falters but US facing new challenges in Iraq
In Iraq, as US troops have withdrawn, those that remain behind offer training, equipment, and advice. The diplomatic line is now: 'no combat troops'. However, many are concerned that the withdrawal will enable an ISIS resurgence.
’The definite risk would be the ISIS resurgence. The enabling capability that the coalition provides is essential to the Iraqi security forces', says US Colonel David Williams on the impact of full coalition withdrawal. 'We need the coalition. If they leave, we'll face too big a problem with terrorism', says one general of the US-backed Peshmerga. Meanwhile, rocket attacks against US military bases have been frequent: they are believed to stem from Iran-backed Shia militias, who have been pushing for full withdrawal of US troops. Some regular Iraqis are also unhappy with a continued US presence, citing painful memories from the Iraq war. 'American forces shot [my brother] twice', recounts one Iraqi man; his brother was caught in crossfire when US forces opened fire on protesters in the 2000s.
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