ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — A bipartisan delegation of US senators this week reaffirmed Washington's support to high-level Iraqi and Kurdish politicians in visits to Baghdad, Erbil, and with US troops.
"The Senators visited American troops deployed across Iraq, including many Illinois natives, and they met with Kurdish leaders to reiterate the importance of our nation’s alliance with our Kurdish partners who fought alongside American forces against ISIS," read a statement from Senator Tammy Duckworth's office released on Friday.
The trip was not publicly announced until after its completion for security reasons, AFP reported.
Duckworth, a US Army veteran, lost her legs while flying a Blackhawk helicopter in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"Fifteen years ago, I deployed to Iraq as an American Soldier to fly helicopter missions. This week, I returned in a role I never expected: as a United States Senator leading a bipartisan delegation to show our support for the people of Iraq and express our hope that Iraq will be an independent, strong country and a close ally of the United States for many years to come," she stated.
Another in the delegation has been an outspoken lawmaker for the continued support of Kurdish fighters against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria.
"After President Trump announced plans to withdraw our military from Syria earlier this year, Duckworth wrote to the President along with Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) to urge him to protect our Kurdish partners in the region, not abandon them..." she stated.
She was joined by Senators Johnny Isakson and Angus King.
“Iraq is a long-term strategic partner and we care about its security, independence and sovereignty. Democracy and freedom are still new to Iraq, and I am proud to support the enduring partnership between Iraq and the United States as we seek to strengthen these values," Isakson stated.
King underscored that Washington must not simply leave because ISIS has been declared militarily defeated in Iraq and Syria.
"Among the most important takeaways from this trip is the knowledge of the continuing danger that ISIS can pose if left unchecked, and the importance of our continued operation to ensure they do not gain a new foothold,” he stated.
In Baghdad, the US delegation met with Iraqi President Barham Salih.
Honored to meet @SenDuckworth & her Senate colleagues. This was Senator’s first visit to Iraq since her combat injury while serving here in the war against terrorists. We honor her sacrifice, appreciate her continued commitment to helping Iraqis achieve enduring peace& prosperity pic.twitter.com/SWa1wXtW8i
— Barham Salih (@BarhamSalih) April 24, 2019
"....We honor her sacrifice, appreciate her continued commitment to helping Iraqis achieve enduring peace and prosperity," he tweeted.
Also in the Iraqi capital she met with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi, who emphasized the fight against ISIS "is not only an Iraqi war, it is a worldwide wore because Daesh's danger threatens the entire world."
Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi (right) receives US Senator Tammy Duckworth in Baghdad, Iraq, in a photo released on April 24, 2019. Photo: Iraqi PM office
"[W]e are going to build a strong independent Iraq, we have detailed plans and programs to strengthen the economic situation, attracting investment, building laboratories," the PM said.
Duckworth flew over the spot where her helicopter was downed in 2004 and also met with Kurdistan Region Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani in Erbil.
The PM welcomed investment opportunities as the Kurdistan Region emerges from several economic crises.
Nechirvan Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, receives US Senator Tammy Duckworth (right) in a photo released on April 26, 2019. Photo: KRG
"Prime Minister Barzani gave a brief overview of economic and financial constraints faced in recent years and highlighted indications of the Region’s recovery and the welcoming investment opportunities," read a statement from the PM's office.
Barzani stressed that the Kurdistan Region together with Baghdad and the international coalition will continue to "confront any threat of terrorism."
"Regarding reform programmes initiated in various sectors, he said the KRG would benefit from the experience of friendly countries," added Barzani amid reforms in government and the armed forces supported by the United States.
They also discussed the Kurdistan Region continuing to host 1.2 million IDPs and Syrian refugees, as many are unable to return due to political tensions, a lack of infrastructure, and security concerns.