Iraq and U.S. Plan Military Pullout Amid Regional Shifts; Pentagon Warns of Budget Impacts
Iraq and US to begin phased military withdrawal by 2025; Saudi forces crack down on drug smuggling operations.
Iraq and the United States have agreed on a phased military pullout, planning to withdraw from bases in Baghdad and federal Iraq by September 2025, and from Kurdistan by September 2026, Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet Al-Abbassi announced. Although the agreement is yet to be signed and a final timeline not confirmed, discussions have been ongoing for months. This move aligns with the reduction of US forces, who have been engaged in numerous retaliatory strikes amid regional tensions.
Meanwhile, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin has warned that a Republican-led six-month temporary spending bill could severely impact the Department of Defense. He stated the bill would delay $4.3 billion in research projects and stall housing and construction efforts worth nearly $10 billion, cutting defense spending by over $6 billion compared to the 2025 budget. Austin emphasized that such a continuing resolution would undermine US military capabilities, particularly against adversaries like China.
In other news, Saudi security forces have cracked down on drug smuggling, arresting 13 Ethiopians for illegal entry and attempting to smuggle 917 kilograms of qat and other narcotics. The operations, primarily in Jazan and Asir, also netted two Yemenis and a Saudi citizen. Authorities continue to urge the public to report any drug-related activities.
On a more positive note, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority was honored with the Best Display Platform Award at the 21st Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition. The award highlighted their efforts in promoting sustainable hunting and eco-friendly tourism in northeastern Saudi Arabia. Their pavilion showcased key landmarks and attracted thousands of international visitors.
Shifting to Lebanon, former central bank governor Riad Salameh is now facing justice over embezzlement charges. The judge in Beirut has begun questioning Salameh, who is accused of financial crimes including embezzling public funds and illicit enrichment. Once a celebrated figure, Salameh's reputation has been tarnished by these allegations amid Lebanon's financial collapse in 2019.
Finally, Turkish air strikes on September 9, 2024, resulted in the destruction of 21 PKK bases in northern Iraq, according to Turkey's Defence Ministry. These strikes targeted areas such as Gara, Hakurk, Metina, and Qandil, and reportedly resulted in numerous militant casualties.
Meanwhile, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin has warned that a Republican-led six-month temporary spending bill could severely impact the Department of Defense. He stated the bill would delay $4.3 billion in research projects and stall housing and construction efforts worth nearly $10 billion, cutting defense spending by over $6 billion compared to the 2025 budget. Austin emphasized that such a continuing resolution would undermine US military capabilities, particularly against adversaries like China.
In other news, Saudi security forces have cracked down on drug smuggling, arresting 13 Ethiopians for illegal entry and attempting to smuggle 917 kilograms of qat and other narcotics. The operations, primarily in Jazan and Asir, also netted two Yemenis and a Saudi citizen. Authorities continue to urge the public to report any drug-related activities.
On a more positive note, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority was honored with the Best Display Platform Award at the 21st Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition. The award highlighted their efforts in promoting sustainable hunting and eco-friendly tourism in northeastern Saudi Arabia. Their pavilion showcased key landmarks and attracted thousands of international visitors.
Shifting to Lebanon, former central bank governor Riad Salameh is now facing justice over embezzlement charges. The judge in Beirut has begun questioning Salameh, who is accused of financial crimes including embezzling public funds and illicit enrichment. Once a celebrated figure, Salameh's reputation has been tarnished by these allegations amid Lebanon's financial collapse in 2019.
Finally, Turkish air strikes on September 9, 2024, resulted in the destruction of 21 PKK bases in northern Iraq, according to Turkey's Defence Ministry. These strikes targeted areas such as Gara, Hakurk, Metina, and Qandil, and reportedly resulted in numerous militant casualties.