'No plans at all' to remove US-troops from Iraq: Trump
What's the story
US President Donald Trump, who's visiting Iraq, says he has "no plans at all" to remove US troops from the country. Trump is making his first presidential trip to a troubled region in the wake of his recent decision to pull US forces from neighboring Syria. He says Iraq can still be used as a base to stage attacks on Islamic State-terrorists. Here's more.
Details
If needed US can attack IS 'fast and hard': Trump
Commenting on the troops' withdrawal, Trump said he wants to get US soldiers home from Syria and that Iraq can still be used as a base to stage attacks on Islamic State terrorists if needed. Trump told reporters traveling with him that if needed, the US can attack IS "so fast and so hard" that they "won't even know what the hell happened".
Information
Trump's decision to exit Syria prompted resignation of Defense Secretary
The president's decision to exit Syria stunned national security advisers and allies, including Iraq, and prompted the resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. In his resignation letter, Mattis criticized Trump for failing to value America's closest allies who had fought alongside the US always.