Iraq has declared that repeated US strikes within its borders are compelling the Baghdad government to consider ending the presence of American troops, citing them as a source of instability. Yahya Rasool, military spokesperson for Iraqi Prime Minister Shia' al-Sudani, emphasized on Thursday that the US coalition has evolved into a destabilizing force, posing a threat to Iraq's stability and potentially embroiling the nation in continuous conflict.

The United States maintains 2,500 troops in Iraq with the stated mission of advising and assisting local forces to prevent the resurgence of Daesh. However, these troops have frequently targeted anti-terror groups integrated into Iraq's official armed forces.

The recent drone strike by the US military, which targeted a vehicle and resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a senior commander of Iraq's Kata'ib Hezbollah resistance group, has intensified tensions. This strike, coupled with ongoing clashes between US forces and anti-terror groups aligned with the regional "axis of resistance," has heightened calls within the Iraqi government to discuss a timeline for the withdrawal of American troops.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein recently urged US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to resume discussions on troop withdrawal, which had been suspended following the deaths of three American soldiers in a drone attack in Jordan. Prime Minister Sudani's office has echoed concerns about the presence of US troops, asserting that it threatens Iraq's security and stability, and serves as a pretext for involving Iraq in regional conflicts.

Tensions escalated further when President Joe Biden ordered airstrikes in retaliation for a drone attack on an American base in Jordan, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 Iraqis. Rasool cautioned that such actions by Washington could have dire consequences for Iraq's security and stability, as well as for the wider region.