Mike Pompeo threatens to close US embassy in Baghdad and recall contingent

US Foreign Minister Mike Pompeo here in New York City on August 20, 2020. Mike Segar / Reuters

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AFP reveals that the United States issued an ultimatum to the Iraqi authorities last week: attacks against American interests must cease in the country, where Washington will close its embassy and recall its 3,000 troops deployed there.

A blow of pressure which made react the persons in charge.

But will this be enough?

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With our correspondent in Baghdad,

" 

 ."

This is what an Iraqi official told AFP.

The news agency reveals that Mike Pompeo, the US secretary of state, threatened the Iraqi president last week to close the US embassy and repatriate their military contingent if the attacks do not end against their interests in the country.

For more than a year, Washington's representation in Baghdad and the military bases where its troops are deployed have been regularly targeted by rocket fire.

More recently, other attacks have also targeted convoys, using improvised explosive devices.

So this is too much for Mike Pompeo.

On the side of Iraqi officials, this pressure strike already seems to have had its effects: several personalities, such as the influential Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr, have thus called for identifying those responsible for the attacks.

But will these reactions have the desired effect on the armed factions?

Hard to believe, when Mike Pompeo has finally considered what these groups have always dreamed of: a definitive departure of the United States in Iraq.

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• United States

• Iraq

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