US Denies Troop Withdrawal from Baghdad Beginning Saturday

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has denied reports claiming that American forces would completely withdraw from the Iraqi capital beginning Saturday.

“These reports suggesting that U.S. forces will vacate Baghdad in full starting tomorrow are inaccurate,” a spokesperson for the embassy said in a statement Friday.

The official clarified that the presence of U.S. and coalition forces remains governed by the joint statement of September 27, 2024, which outlined the timeline for ending the international coalition’s combat mission against ISIS in Iraq.

According to the spokesperson, the Combined Joint Task Force,  Operation Inherent Resolve – continues to operate in line with the agreed schedule for transitioning coalition forces toward the conclusion of military operations in the country.

The clarification comes amid renewed speculation in local media and political circles over the future of the U.S. military presence in Iraq, an issue that has remained central to Baghdad–Washington relations.