Retired US general says Iraqi forces prepared for post-withdrawal period

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — Retired US Army General Mark Kimmitt, a former deputy assistant secretary of state, said Iraqi security forces are ready to handle potential threats following the withdrawal of American troops. In remarks from Washington, Kimmitt said the period after the 2011 US withdrawal offered important lessons, noting that Iraq had requested the return of American forces within two years. Kimmitt said the United States played a primarily supporting role in the fight against ISIS, while Iraqi forces and the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi) carried out the main combat operations. He said Iraq's security forces are aware of the risks posed by any potential vacuum and that Washington has been planning the transition for years. The retired general said the US military is no longer engaged in direct combat operations in Iraq. He emphasized that the withdrawal timetable was not an abrupt decision but has proceeded in phases. Looking ahead, Kimmitt said US security assistance to Iraq will continue through private American companies under a civilian framework. He added that the Baghdad-Washington relationship needs to extend beyond the military dimension to include diplomatic, economic and societal areas.