Iraq resistance: ‘We will not accept foreign soldiers in Iraq’

The Iraqi Resistance Coordination Committee, which consists of four Shia groups affiliate with Iran, pledged on Friday to fight any foreign soldiers in the country, Anadolu Agency reported.

This came just hours after the launch of the fourth round of strategic dialogue in Washington, during which Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated that his country requires the US arming and training programme.

Hussein also confirmed that his country is ready to defend the diplomatic missions and their headquarters in the country, as well as the US military bases hosting US troops.

The Resistance Coordination Committee has previously claimed responsibility for attacks against US targets in Iraq.

“We will never accept the existence of any foreign soldier on our beloved land under any pretext, such as claiming they are here as consultants,” a statement asserted.

READ: Teen social media influencer threatens to jump off roof amid deteriorating situation in Iraq

The statement added: “US trainers and the international alliance have proven their failure during the past ten years and their failure led to the collapse of the security and military institutions.”

The US has been leading an international alliance against Daesh since 2014, as about 3,000 troops are deployed in Iraq, including 2,500 Americans.

On 7 April this year, Baghdad announced an agreement with the US to turn the troops of the international alliance from combatants to consultants.

Later, Baghdad announced the formation of a committee that included defence officials in order to start talks with the US about the withdrawal from Iraq.

On 5 January, 2020, Iraqi Parliament voted for evicting US troops from the country.

READ: US set to formalise readjustment of troop role in Iraq