According to Lavrentyev, the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq will be followed by a similar step in Syria because it would be impossible to provide logistical support and military units in Syria, without passing through the neighboring territory.

The Iraqi side informed that it is ready to assume full responsibility for maintaining order and ensuring security in the country without military components, the Russian envoy stated.

On Thursday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that the meetings of the Working Group of the US-Iraq Higher Military Commission would begin in the coming days to discuss the future of the US presence there.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry announced the agreement with Washington to establish a timetable for the presence of international coalition advisors in the country.

Since the start of operations, US enclaves in Iraq and Syria have been the target of more than 151 airstrikes, and about 70 soldiers have been wounded, the Pentagon acknowledged.

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