US's soldiers at military base in Mosul, Iraq (Photo: VNA)

Marine General Frank McKenzie, head of US Central Command, said the US is continuing to expand its partner programs that enable Iraqi forces and allow the US to reduce its footprint in Iraq.

During his first meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi last month, US President Donald Trump said the US would reduce its presence in Iraq but he did not reveal any specifics.