The U.S. and Iraq initiate official discussions to terminate the coalition alliance established to combat the Islamic State.

A first session of formal talks took place in Baghdad on Saturday between the United States and Iraq, aimed at reducing the mission of the U.S.-led military coalition that was established to combat the Islamic State group in Iraq.

The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, announced the start of the first round of talks between Iraq and the United States to end the Coalition's mission in Iraq.

The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has led to regular drone attacks against US forces in Iraq and Syria, which have been backed by Iran-backed militias.

Last year, the U.S. discussed plans to form a committee to negotiate the mission's conclusion, and the timing of this announcement is not linked to the attacks.

Since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Washington has maintained a consistent presence in the country. Despite the departure of all U.S. combat forces in 2011, thousands of troops returned in 2014 to aid the Iraqi government in combating IS.

Iraqi officials have frequently called for the withdrawal of coalition forces since the extremist group lost control of the territory it once seized, particularly following the U.S. airstrike in January 2020 that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis outside the Baghdad airport.

The conflict in Gaza has resurfaced after Israel's counteroffensive in response to the Hamas attack on October 7th.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, backed by Iran, has been attacking U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria since mid-October, claiming it is a response to Washington's support for Israel in the Gaza conflict.

Over 150 missile and drone attacks have been launched against the estimated 2,500 U.S. troops and their bases, resulting in scores of U.S. personnel being wounded, including some with traumatic brain injuries.

The U.S. has retaliated against militia targets linked to the Popular Mobilization Forces, an Iran-backed coalition of mainly Shiite paramilitary groups that is under the control of the Iraqi military but operates independently in practice. Iraqi officials have protested that the U.S. strikes are a violation of Iraq's sovereignty.

Before Oct. 7, discussions about establishing a committee to determine the coalition's mission conclusion were already taking place, and the decision is not linked to the attacks.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the decision, stating that it demonstrates the Americans' limited understanding of language. It pledged to continue its attacks.