US Begins ‘Pre-Planned’ Withdrawal from Iraq’s Kurdistan Region
Summary
An adviser in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region said Saturday that reports of a US withdrawal of troops and Patriot air defense systems from the Erbil area involved “a misunderstanding,” while confirming that a previously arranged drawdown had begun. Reports said the Patriot systems used to intercept missiles and drones were no longer present at the US military base at Harir near Erbil. The withdrawal reportedly began last week and remains underway, with most US troops and heavy military equipment already removed.