CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie announced that “in recognition of the great progress the Iraqi forces have made and in consultation and coordination with the Government of Iraq and our coalition partners, the U.S has decided to reduce our troop presence in Iraq from about 5,200 to 3,000 troops during the month of September”. “This reduced footprint”, he added, “allows us to continue advising and assisting our Iraqi partners in rooting out the final remnants of ISIS in Iraq and ensuring its enduring defeat”.