Baghdad, March 17 (TIWN) The US army is pulling out of the al-Qaim and two other key military bases in Iraq in the coming weeks, it was reported.

The decision to leave three of its eight bases in Iraq is a sign the US is looking to dramatically reduce its footprint in the country.  It comes amid heightened tensions with the Iraqi government and Iran.  A ceremony will take place this week at al-Qaim, where the US will formally hand over equipment to the Iraqi army to help it ensure security in the area.  It will end any US presence along the Iraqi side of the border with Syria.