As tensions rise in Iraq, U.S.-led coalition repositions troops

The U.S.-led coalition to defeat the Islamic State in Iraq will relocate hundreds of troops out of bases in Iraq, sending most to larger bases in other parts of the country, and some to Syria or Kuwait. The announcement came Monday, as threats to foreign troops elsewhere in the region increase, and threats from the militant Islamic State fall.

According to U.S. officials, the move has been in the works since the fall and is not the result of heightened tensions with Tehran, which have led to an increased number of attacks by Iran-backed militia groups in recent weeks.

Following the deaths of one British and two American solders in a Soleimani birthday rocket attack on Camp Taji last week, the United States launched a set of airstrikes against the Iran-backed Kataib Hizbollah group.

A new militant group — Usbat al-Thairen, or The League of Revolutionaries — claimed responsibility for the most recent attack.

“We rejoice in the fear that we have struck in the chests of the occupying enemy as a result of our quality operations … This operation is only the beginning and the end is soon to come,” said a member of the group on Sunday.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made clear to Iraq’s prime minister that the groups responsible for the attacks must be held responsible and that the United States does “not tolerate attacks and threats to American lives,” according to a statement from the secretary’s office.

Iraq’s parliament has been pushing for foreign troops to leave the region since President Trump decided to kill Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard commander Qasem Soleimani early this year.