US committed to building a strategic partnership with Iraq

The United States is committed to building a strategic partnership with Iraq and the Iraqi people, the US State Department spokesperson said in a press release.

"Under the Strategic Framework Agreement between Iraq and the United States, we remain dedicated to helping Iraq improve security, maintain sovereignty, and defeat ISIS and other terrorist groups," the spokesperson said.

"US security cooperation activities are increasing the Iraqi Security Forces’ capability to respond to threats and conduct counter-terrorism operations, while supporting the long-term development of a modern, accountable, and professional Iraqi military capable of defending Iraq and its borders," the spokesperson said.

The United States continues to work with our Coalition partners along multiple lines of effort to defeat ISIS. Our strategy requires a well-equipped and trained partner on the ground. With effective training, equipping, command and control, and Coalition firepower, Iraqi forces, including the Kurdish Peshmerga, have seized the initiative and removed ISIS from nearly all of Iraq’s major population centers while preventing ISIS from retaking any territory in the process. 

In 2016, the ISF liberated Fallujah, Ramadi, Haditha, Hit, Rutbah, Makhmour and scores of towns and villages in between and have now made significant progress in a determined campaign to liberate Mosul. US training and equipment have been critical in preparing Iraqi Army, Police, Kurdish Peshmerga, and local tribal forces for this watershed battle.

Since 2005, the Department of State has approved more than $22 billion worth of FMS to Iraq. The Iraqi Government has financed the vast majority of these government-to-government transfers of military systems and equipment using their own national funds. Iraq values the FMS system because of its transparency and reliability. 

By purchasing a wide range of US-origin military equipment, Iraq has demonstrated its commitment to building a strong and enduring US-Iraq defense and security relationship.

In 2016, Iraq used FMS to purchase an F-16 munitions package (including Paveway tail kits, AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles, and AGM-65 Maverick missiles) and Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) packages for various air and ground platforms. Additional high-profile Iraqi FMS purchases include 146 M1A1 Main Battle Tanks, 36 F-16 fighter aircraft, 24 IA407 helicopters, and 9 C-130 cargo aircraft.

Transfers of US equipment, training, and support have been funded through other US security assistance programs, including Foreign Military Financing (FMF), Excess Defense Articles (EDA) grants, and Presidential Drawdown Authority overseen by the US Department of State, and Building Partner Capacity grants administered by the S. Department of Defense in the form of the Iraq Security Forces Funding (ISFF) and the Iraq Train and Equip Fund (ITEF). 

Iraq’s FMF program began in 2012 following the end of the ISFF program, which ran from 2005-2011. Since then, Congress has appropriated over $2 billion in FMF funding for Iraq. These funds were originally intended to build up Iraq’s long-term sustainment and logistics capabilities, and for Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) professionalization and other essential training.

Source: MENA