The US is reducing its military presence in Iraq this month from 5,200 to 3,000, AP reported referring to the US Central Command Commander General of the Marine Corps Frank Mckenzie.

The downsizing of the US military in Iraq reflects US confidence in the ability of US-trained Iraqi security forces to cope with the threat from the Islamic State, he said.

“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 United States has decided to reduce our troop presence in Iraq from about 5,200 to 3,000 troops during the month of September," McKenzie said during his Iraq visit, according to an excerpt of his remarks provided by his office.

He noted that the remaining US troops will continue to advise and assist the Iraqi security forces in an effort to eradicate the remnants of the Islamic State.

“The U.S. decision is a clear demonstration of our continued commitment to the ultimate goal, which is an Iraqi security force that is capable of preventing an ISIS resurgence and of securing Iraq’s sovereignty without external assistance,” McKenzie said. “The journey has been difficult, the sacrifice has been great, but the progress has been significant.”

Tensions between the United States and Iraq expedited in January after an American drone strike near Baghdad airport killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Iraqi lawmakers passed a resolution to withdraw all US-led coalition forces from the country.