“American forces are providing logistical and air support and are present on Iraqi soil based on an agreement signed with the Iraqi government in the year 2014 following ISIS elements infiltrating into Iraqi cities,” Fatih MP and spokesperson Ahmed al-Assady said.
Fatih, due to its closeness to Iran, has been at the forefront of parties which have demanded for US forces to leave Iraq. Amiri and many Shiite militia leaders fought alongside Iran in the Iran-Iraq war against Saddam Hussein in the 1980s.
Last Sunday, Fatih leader Hadi al-Amiri said they will not allow any US bases in Iraq, but would be OK with the presence of advisors for training purposes.
“American forces aren’t an enemy of Iraq,” added al-Assady. He revealed parliament, which is in recess now, will further discuss the need for an American presence.
Former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared ISIS defeated. However there are nearly daily reports of extremist attacks — some claimed by ISIS. The US-led international coalition routinely supports Iraqi forces with airstrikes and on the ground in their advise, train, and assist mission.
“The parliament will vote the decision that preserves the prestige and sovereignty of Iraq and establishes security,” added the Iraqi MP.
On Tuesday, Iraqi PM Adil Abdul-Mahdi said ultimately the parliament has the final say on the matter, and that as the government they have to “obey” but can still voice their opinion on the matter.
The premier is the commander-in-chief of all Iraqi Security Forces.
Iraqi Shiite parties, responding to pressure from Iran, had already been saying the US forces will have to leave Iraq after the war with ISIS is finished. However, the calls were on shaky grounds initially.
An unannounced Christmas visit by US president Donald Trump with US forces stationed at Ain al-Assad Military Base drew sharp criticism. The visit was reportedly unannounced and not cleared through Baghdad.
Trump also did not meet with top Iraqi officials such as the prime minister or president. He further drew the ire of many Iraqis when he said in January that the United States may use the country’s military bases to watch Iran.
Trump has announced his intention to reduce troops in Syria and Afghanistan. The United States, officially, says it has 5,200 troops in Iraq. Analysts have cautioned Trump against a premature withdrawal from Iraq, citing the mistake of his predecessor which partially set the conditions for the ISIS conflict.
