UPDATE: 2:35 p.m.
WASHINGTON (AP) � President Joe Biden says the U.S. military’s combat mission in Iraq will conclude by the end of the year.
An announcement expected Monday would set out a more precise timeline for American forces to formally step back in their fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq.
The plan to shift the American military mission to a strictly advisory and training one by year’s end is expected to be spelled out in a broader communique to be issued by U.S. and Iraq following Biden’s White House meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi on Monday afternoon.
ORIGINAL STORY
WASHINGTON (AP) � President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi are set to announce that they’ve come to an agreement to end the U.S. military’s combat mission in Iraq by the end of the year.
That's according to a senior administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The American military mission's stated purpose was to help Iraq defeat the Islamic State group.
The plan to shift to a strictly advisory and training role by year’s end will be spelled out in a broader communique to be issued by the two leaders following their White House meeting on Monday.
