Produces letter to embassy
Victory Alliance refutes claims on U.S. Forces’ under Abadi
BAGHDAD — The Victory Alliance, under the leadership of former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, asserted on Thursday that the reintroduction of American forces into Iraq occurred under the administration of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The alliance presented documents it says prove this claim, countering rumors that the American forces’ return took place during Abadi’s term.
Nouri al-Maliki stepped down from his role as prime minister in August 2014, following the rapid territorial gains by the Islamic State across significant parts of Iraq.
In a rebuttal to Ali al-Zaidi, a member of the Fatah Alliance, the Victory Alliance through its leader Aqeel al-Rudaini, stated: “Dr. Haider al-Abadi entered office at a time when American forces were already on Iraqi soil, disputing the claim that their return was orchestrated during Dr. Abadi’s tenure.
“Al-Rudaini further articulated, to inform brother al-Zaidi and all those in pursuit of truth, the American forces made their way back to Iraq during the tenure of the government before Dr. Abadi’s. This is substantiated by a request letter from then Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, dated June 22, 2014, whereas Dr. Abadi only assumed the prime ministerial post following a parliamentary vote on September 10, 2014.”