Clean up on aisle...Pentagon scrambles to explain draft letter that implies US forces are leaving Iraq. The unsigned letter was "a mistake, an honest mistake," according to Gen Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, who told reporters US troops are moving into Iraq, not out.
The draft letter addressed to the 3 star Iraqi General in charge of joint operations quickly made its way around the internet and seemed explosive at first blush, completely blindsiding the Pentagon by suggesting that US forces were preparing to withdraw from Iraq.
QUOTE:
QUOTE:
"Sir, in due deference to the sovereignty of the Republic of Iraq, and as requested by the Iraqi Parliament and the Prime Minister, CJTF-OIR will be repositioning forces over the course of the coming days and weeks to prepare for onward movement."
Gen Mark Milley: The purpose of the draft was to inform the Iraqis to coordinate with the Iraqi military to tell them that US forces would be moving around re-positioning and there would be increased helicopter movement bringing more US troops into Iraq - not withdrawing.
Gen Mark Milley, Chairman Jt Chiefs: "That letter is a draft is a mistake it was unsigned and should not have been released...poorly worded implies withdrawal. That is not what is happening." Defense Secretary Mark Esper: "There has been no decision to leave Iraq. Period."
