U.S. Troops to Fully Withdraw from Iraq by September 30

Central Message

(CNA, Washington, 14th - comprehensive international news) Deutsche Welle reported today that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced during his meeting with U.S. President Trump in Washington that U.S. forces will completely withdraw from Iraq by September 30.

President Trump stated at the White House: "We believe there is no longer a necessity for U.S. troops to remain stationed there."

Previously, approximately 2,500 U.S. personnel were stationed in Iraq, primarily conducting operations against the extremist group 'Islamic State' (IS). However, troop numbers have been gradually reduced in recent months.

The al-Zaidi government has linked the U.S. military withdrawal plan with the disarmament of Iran-backed militia groups.

Al-Zaidi said: "By September 30, U.S. troops will withdraw, and American companies will enter."

He added: "After September 30, we will not allow any organization outside state institutions to possess weapons."

The main goal of al-Zaidi's visit was to secure large-scale U.S. investment in Iraq's oil, natural gas, and electricity industries.

During the meeting in the Oval Office at the White House, al-Zaidi previewed an upcoming 'economic partnership' to be announced by the two nations.

Trump stated that Iraq holds immense development potential due to its rich oil resources.

"We will reach many agreements… We will create massive job opportunities for both countries and extract large quantities of oil," he said, though he did not elaborate on specifics.

Two Iraqi officials revealed that the Iraqi government, U.S. energy giant Chevron, Los Angeles-based investment firm TI Capital, and Qatar's UCC Company are scheduled to sign an agreement on the 17th to jointly construct an oil pipeline capable of transporting up to 2 million barrels per day.

This pipeline will connect Basra, a major oil hub in southern Iraq, to Haditha, and extend further to ports in Turkey and Syria. (Translation: Hsu Jui-cheng) 1150715