Iraqi war coalition official announces Iraqi forces will be redeployed across the country • Army to thwart forces in Baghdad, especially in the administration district

• US forces on their way to Iraq // Photo: IP

Surprising move: The US military announced yesterday that it would redeploy its forces in Iraq. Secretary of State Mark Asper said after a wave of conflicting rumors that his country had no intention of evicting its forces from Iraq.

"No decision was made to leave Iraq," Secretary of State Mark Asper said during a media briefing, adding that no operational plans for leaving Iraq were prepared.

"I do not know what this letter means. We are trying to understand where it comes from, what it is about. But there is no decision to leave Iraq. Point," Asper added, saying that his country will continue to support the war against ISIS in Iraq and beyond.

A letter sent to the Iraqi Command states that "in reference to the sovereignty of the Republic of Iraq, and as requested by the Iraqi Parliament and the Prime Minister, the International Coalition for ISIS (CJTF-OIR) will reschedule its forces over the next few days and weeks to prepare for a forward movement," the Force wrote U.S. Marines William Seeley III, commander of the Iraq Task Force.

The letter also states that "we respect the sovereign decision to order our departure." General Seeley also noted that the withdrawal would result in increased air activity in Baghdad's "international zone"

The publication of the letter caused much confusion in light of the fact that U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose sanctions on Iraq if it forces the U.S. to gain its powers. However, Reuters reported that the letter's credibility was confirmed by an Iraqi military official.

At the same time, the British government announced a reduction in its presence at embassies in Iran and Iraq following developments