Protesters and militia fighters throw stones towards the U.S. Embassy during a protest to condemn air strikes on bases belonging to Hashd al-Shaabi (paramilitary forces), outside the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq January 1, 2020. (photo credit: REUTERS/THAIER AL-SUDANI)
(CNN)The US is temporarily withdrawing some staff from the US Embassy in Baghdad amid concerns of retaliation around the anniversary of the death of a powerful Iranian military commander, according to three sources familiar with the decision.
One US official said the drawdown would take place in the lead-up to the January 3 anniversary of the US' killing of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani due to concerns about retaliation.
A source familiar echoed this and said the decision to have a partial, temporary withdrawal was determined at a Tuesday meeting of the National Security Council's Policy Coordination Committee.
Both the US official and the source said the withdrawal was expected to last only until mid-January, after the anniversary passes.
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US embassy in Baghdad draws down diplomats: Iraq officials -- Straits Times/AFP
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