US, Iraq to Begin Talks on Winding Down Anti-Terror Coalition’s Mandate

Upcoming discussions come amid almost daily attacks on US forces deployed in Iraq and retaliatory strikes on local militia groups.

AN NASIRIYAH, IRAQ - APRIL 10: A U.S. Army Blackhawk creates a cloud of dust as it lands at Dalil Air Base April 10, 2003 in near An Nasiriyah, Iraq. The 101st. The former airport was seized by the U.S. Military and is now used by coalition forces. Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Washington and Baghdad are set to begin formal talks about winding down the activities of a U.S.-led coalition tasked with fighting the so-called “Islamic State” (ISIS) terrorist group in Iraq.

According to officials from both countries, Iraqi and U.S. representatives will soon meet to lay the groundwork for discussions, which will be held within the framework of a U.S.-Iraq Higher Military Commission (HMC).