Iraqi prime minister calls for reduction of US troops after Daesh defeat

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has called on the US to reduce its military presence in Iraq as Washington has begun a surge of troops in the face of Daesh terrorists facing a final rout in the country.

“As we are crushing Daesh, it is clear that there is a need to reduce the number of our allies who are helping us,” Abadi told the Middle East Eye news portal.

He made the remarks ahead of his visit to Washington to meet US President Donald Trump.

“Daesh is about to collapse and is on the verge of defeat. Their family members are fleeing,” he said.

Abadi, however, noted that Baghdad wants the US to expand its training of the Iraqi army, federal police and local police.

“We have to strengthen our armed forces and security forces and this will need a lot of help from our allies to give proper training,” the Iraqi premier said.