United States to continue forces draw down

The US has said it will continue to reduce its military forces from Iraq “in light of significant progress towards eliminating the [Islamic State, Isis or IS] Isis threat,” despite evidence that the jihadist movement has become more active this year. In a joint statement issued by the US and Iraqi governments following the 11 June strategic dialogue talks, the two sides said the US would “continue reducing forces from Iraq and discuss with the government of Iraq the status of remaining forces”.