Joint Statement: U.S. to Complete its Combat Mission in Iraq by December 31

The United States is set to complete its combat mission in Iraq by December 31, but will retain its support for local security forces and Kurdish paramilitary groups, the two states said in a joint statement, issued after a strategic stability meeting. The meeting was co-chaired by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.  Secretary Antony Blinken met with Iraqi Foreign Minister Dr. Fuad Hussein on July 23rd, 2021 “The two delegations also emphasized that the bases hosting U.S. and other Coalition personnel are Iraqi bases and are operating per existing Iraqi laws; they…