The US is relocating personnel and military equipment from various facilities belonging to the international coalition in Iraq to Erbil International Airport, located in Iraqi Kurdistan, The National reported, citing its sources.
According to the publication, over the past week, the US military deployed support equipment, defense systems, and air defense assets to Erbil airport. It remains unknown whether this activity represents preparations for a full troop withdrawal.
At the same time, some troops from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany serving as part of the international coalition forces also left Erbil.
Covert maneuvers
According to two Kurdish officials, back at the end of July, military convoys carrying interceptor missile systems departed from Erbil, the primary base for coalition forces in Iraqi Kurdistan. However, regional authorities were not informed in advance about these maneuvers.
Officials stated that this is not a routine force rotation. According to them, defense systems previously deployed at positions were dismantled, loaded onto transport vehicles, and hauled away in another direction.
These measures are being carried out against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East. Following the expansion of the conflict in the region, US military facilities in Iraq have repeatedly come under attack by Iran-backed armed groups. These attacks have resulted in deaths and injuries among US service members and civilians.
In 2024, Iraq and the US signed an agreement stipulating that the military mission of the international coalition should conclude by September 30, 2026. According to the document, subsequent cooperation will continue under bilateral agreements focusing on training, intelligence sharing, and arms sales.
Source: haqqin.az
