President Trump and Pentagon plan to announce a reduction in U.S. troop levels from 5,200 to about 3,500, a senior Defense Department official told Fox News.
A coordinated announcement is expected sometime on Wednesday, and the Iraqis are aware of the decision and are willing to cooperate, the official said.
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A senior administration official discussed the cut with reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday evening, on condition of anonymity.
In August, ISIS launched more than 100 attacks in Iraq, a sharp increase from the previous month.
In July, the US chief general for the Middle East said that he believed the US would maintain a smaller but lasting presence in Iraq.
Marine Corps General Frank McKenzie, commander of US Central Command, said he believes the Iraqis welcome US and coalition troops, especially in the ongoing struggle to prevent IS from taking over the country again.
Trump told reporters two weeks ago that “we look forward to the day we don’t have to be there.” The comments were made during a meeting in the Oval Office with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. The move appears to be an attempt by Trump to fulfill his promise to end US involvement in “endless wars.”
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Military officials have already announced plans to reduce the number of troops in Afghanistan to 4-5,000 from current levels. This announcement will follow from the President in the coming days. A senior US official told Fox that there will be no immediate change in the number of US troops currently in Syria, roughly 600.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
