Iraqi premier, U.S. state secretary discuss presence of American troops in Iraq

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi discussed in a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo the legal status of U.S.-led coalition forces stationed in Iraq, Xinhua quoted Abdul Mahdi’s office as saying Wednesday.

During the phone conversation, the two sides confirmed “the legal framework for the work of the international coalition forces, including the U.S. forces operating in Iraq,” the office said in a statement.

The two sides confirmed that the mission of those troops is to combat Daesh (IS group) and train Iraqi forces, and not to establish foreign military bases on Iraq’s soil, the statement said, adding that all the coalition missions are conducted in cooperation with Iraqi authorities.

The two officials discussed the latest developments of the fight against IS group near the borderline with neighboring Syria, as well as the impacts of the fight on Iraq, the statement said.

They also tackled economic issues and means to support Iraq’s military capabilities and independence, it added.

Over 5,000 U.S. troops have been deployed in Iraq to support the Iraqi forces during the battles against IS militants.

The troops were part of the U.S.-led international coalition that has also been conducting air raids against IS targets in both Iraq and Syria.