A letter, seen by the Reuters news agency, says the US will “reposition forces” over the coming days and weeks.
While some Arab new channels are claiming it means a full withdrawal, Sky News understands US forces will remain in the country.
“US forces will be remaining in Iraq,” says Sky’s Mark Stone.
“We understand around 1,100 forces in the green zone in Baghdad will be thinned out by a half or so. Some will be relocated within in Iraq, others in Kuwait.
“The plan we’re told is that at some stage they will come back. The rest of the coalition forces in Iraq will remain.”
Reuters reports that one of its sources has independently verified the letter, said to be from William H. Seely III, the American commander of Task Force Iraq.
It reportedly reads: “Sir, in deference to the sovereignty of the Republic of Iraq, and as requested by the Iraqi Parliament and the Prime Minister, CJTF-OIR will be repositioning forces over the course of the coming days and weeks to prepare for onward movement.”
