US does not rule out returning to attack Iraq, here is why

Moscow (ANTARA) - The United States does not rule out the possibility of launching attacks in Iraq if threats are detected within the country’s territory, even though its military operations against ISIS in Iraq have officially ended, according to The Washington Post.

The newspaper, quoting an unnamed US official, reported that US forces will be relocated from Iraq to Jordan to focus on combating ISIS cells in Syria.

However, if ISIS becomes uncontrollable again in Iraq and Syria and both nations request US assistance, US forces could return to the region, according to the report.

US President Donald Trump previously stated that US military forces are prepared to return and provide assistance to Iraqi authorities if necessary, despite the withdrawal of the US military contingent from the country.

Following the Pentagon’s announcement, Trump announced on Wednesday the withdrawal of the final US units from Iraq and the end of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Trump described the 12-year military campaign as the end of a “very expensive adventure into hell.”

Meanwhile, the Pentagon stated that security in the region is now the responsibility of the Iraqi armed forces. However, the United States will continue to provide limited assistance to Iraq in the form of military personnel training and intelligence sharing.