Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has denied making any deal with the United States to keep US forces on Iraqi soil after the end of the battle of Mosul.



Abadi stressed that there is no combat forces from any country in Iraq, and that those present in Iraq are actually trainers, consultants and experts from several countries. The Iraqi government did not agree with any state on its military role post- ISIS.



Abadi’s statement came after press reports about talks between Baghdad and Washington, which will determine the future of the US military presence in Iraq, in the post-expulsion period of the militants.



US television channel ABC revealed US Defense Secretary James Matiss’ talks with Iraqi officials on maintaining US forces in Nineveh and Anbar provinces to protect the borders with Syria.



It was reported that the two parties agreed to maintain the status of advisers to the military, to avoid the need for parliamentary approval and provoke any public anger.



Last Update: Wednesday, 20 May 2020 KSA 09:49 - GMT 06:49