The sources said Sunday the US has withdrawn its combat troops from Kuwait while C-5 and C-17 military transport aircraft have flown about 700 guards into the region to reinforce protection of American diplomatic missions.

The new revelation came despite prior announcements by American authorities that the US President Donald Trump's administration has decided to shore up the country’s military presence in the Middle East.

It also followed recent assassination of Iran's Quds Force commander Lieutenant Qassem Soleimani and his companions, including deputy commander of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in Baghdad.

The remains of anti-terror commander General Qassem Soleimani and his companions have arrived in the southern Iranian city of Ahvaz from Iraq where they were assassinated by the US early Friday.

In all, 10 people -- five Iraqis and five Iranians -- were assassinated in the US strike on their motorcade just outside Baghdad airport as Gen. Soleimani’s flight arrived from Syria, leading to speculations that the Israeli intelligence might have played a role.

The assassination prompted calls for revenge from various resistance groups across the region with Iranian officials also vowing crushing response to the US act of terrorism.

The assassination also triggered a wave of outrage among Iranians and Iraqis, and further aligned the two neighbors with vociferous calls for revenge for what they view as "state terrorism."

Reporter’s code: 50101