With Iran’s political influence and militia strength in Iraq, U.S. forces ensure that the Iraqi “people can live in peace..safety and security,” according to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Why American forces remain in Iraq 20 years after U.S. invasion:
FILE - A U.S. military vehicle, part of a convoy, arrives near Dahuk, Iraq, Oct. 21, 2019. Twenty years after the U.S. invaded Iraq, in blinding explosions of shock and awe, American forces remain in the country in what has become a small, but consistent presence to ensure an ongoing relationship with a key military and diplomatic partner in the Middle East. WASHINGTON — Twenty years after the U.S.
Resentment and power struggles between the Shiites and the Sunnis fueled civil war, leading ultimately to America's complete withdrawal in December 2011. The divide was a key factor in the collapse of the nation's police and military forces when faced with the Islamic State insurgency that swept across Iraq and Syria in 2014.The rise of the Islamic State group — its roots were in al-Qaida affiliates — and its expanding threat to the U.S. and allies across Europe sent the U.S.
The same is true for the U.S. troop presence around the al-Tanf garrison in southeastern Syria, which is located on a vital road that can link Iranian-backed forces from Tehran all the way to southern Lebanon — and Israel’s doorstep. In both Iraq and Syria, U.S. troops disrupt what could be an uncontested land bridge for Iran to the eastern Mediterranean.
“We’re deeply committed to ensuring that the Iraqi people can live in peace and dignity, with safety and security and with economic opportunity for all,” he said.By the time Washington withdrew its last combat troops in December 2011, tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians were dead, along with 4,487 American troops.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why US troops remain in Iraq 20 years after 'shock and awe'Twenty years ago the U.S. invaded Iraq amid blinding explosions of shock and awe
Read more »
Why US troops remain in Iraq 20 years after 'shock and awe'Twenty years ago the U.S. invaded Iraq amid blinding explosions of shock and awe.
Read more »
Why US troops remain in Iraq 20 years after 'shock and awe'Twenty years after the U.S. invaded Iraq — in blinding explosions of shock and awe — American forces remain in the country in what has become a small but consistent presence.
Read more »
Why US troops remain in Iraq 20 years after 'shock and awe'Twenty years ago the U.S. invaded Iraq amid blinding explosions of shock and awe.
Read more »
Why US troops remain in Iraq 20 years after ‘shock and awe’Twenty years after the U.S. invaded Iraq, in blinding explosions of shock and awe, American forces remain in the country. Here’s a look at America’s evolving role in Iraq.
Read more »
Why US troops remain in Iraq 20 years after 'shock and awe'WASHINGTON (AP) — Twenty years after the U.S. invaded Iraq — in blinding explosions of shock and awe — American forces remain in the country in what has become a small but consistent presence to ensure an ongoing relationship with a key military and diplomatic partner in the Middle East.
Read more »