, according to American media reports on Wednesday.The staff reduction is supposed to be temporary, according to the report, but it's unclear when staff will return, according to Politico. A US official told CNN
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that the staff should return in mid-January, after the anniversary of the Soleimani liquidation.
US Ambassador to Iraq Matthew Tueller will remain in Baghdad, the State Department told Politico. The staff reduction was first reported on by The Washington Post on Wednesday.
"The State Department continually adjusts its diplomatic presence at embassies and consulates throughout the world in line with its mission, the local security environment, the health situation, and even the holidays," said a department official in a statement to Politico. "Ensuring the safety of US government personnel, US citizens, and the security of our facilities, remains our highest priority."