U.S. Secretary of Defense Carter: U.S. Forces Will Be Needed To Stay In Iraq After Mosul Has Fallen

U.S. soldiers gather in the town of Gwer, northern Iraq August 31, 2016. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari /File Photo

Military Times: U.S. troops will be needed in Iraq after Mosul falls, Pentagon chief says

The United States could leave a residual military force in Iraq after the Islamic State is pushed out of its last stronghold there, Defense Secretary Ash Carter indicated Tuesday, saying militants loyal to the terror group will continue to pose a significant threat throughout the region well into the future.

Speaking at what's expected to be his final Pentagon press briefing, Carter said U.S. officials are discussing the matter with Iraq's government, which would have to agree to allow U.S. forces to stay — a prospect that makes many Iraqis leery. But, the secretary added, ISIS fighters will remain active after U.S.-backed Iraqi ground forces retake the northern city of Mosul, which has been the focus on a months-long offensive that, by most accounts, is progressing much slower than anticipated.

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WNU Editor: It sounds like U.S. forces are going to stay in Iraq for a few more years.

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