The US military says it will reduce US troop levels in Iraq from 5,200 to 3,000 this month.
Central Command, which oversees the US military in the Middle East, announced the reduction on Wednesday.
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters the drawdown was possible because US troops had done a "magnificent job" training Iraqi security forces to keep the country stable.
There have been growing calls in Iraq for the withdrawal of US troops ever since a US drone strike killed an Iranian Revolutionary Guards general and an Iraqi militia commander in Baghdad in early January.
The Iraqi government has been in talks with US officials to reduce their military presence in the country.
US President Donald Trump, known for his "America First" policy, has pledged to bring home US forces stationed abroad. He is expected also to announce a reduction of US troops in Afghanistan.
Observers say Trump aims to underscore his achievements ahead of November's presidential election. But there are concerns that lowering US troop numbers could destabilize the Middle East.
nhk
