The US military has completed its withdrawal from Iraq, an Iraqi government official confirmed. All US combat troops and logistical support forces have left the country. The withdrawal was agreed upon in 2024 and was completed on schedule. The US had stationed around 2,500 troops in Iraq in recent years. The withdrawal marks a significant shift in the country's security landscape.
The US and allied countries launched a campaign against the Islamic State terrorist organization in Iraq and Syria in 2014. The extremist group was declared militarily defeated in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019. However, Islamic State cells remain active and continue to carry out occasional attacks. The group lost the large areas it once controlled in both countries. The security situation in Iraq has deteriorated again since the start of the Iran war.
The US and Iran have repeatedly confronted each other in Iraq in previous years and came close to war on several occasions. Hundreds of attacks have been carried out during the current Iran war, including against US facilities and troops in Iraq, as well as targets belonging to Kurdish forces. Iran and Iran-aligned forces are expected to welcome the US withdrawal. The withdrawal may have significant implications for the region.
Before the withdrawal, US forces were based in Erbil in the Kurdish region, at a base near Baghdad airport, and in the capital's government district, known as the Green Zone. The US and its allies invaded Iraq in 2003, toppling then-ruler Saddam Hussein. After withdrawing in 2011, the US military returned in 2014 at the request of the Iraqi government to fight Islamic State.
The withdrawal of US troops was initially expected to be accompanied by the disarmament and integration of powerful Iran-aligned militias into the state security apparatus. However, the move was postponed and is now due to take place in June next year. Prime Minister Ali al-Saidi announced the postponement. The situation remains uncertain.
Four official public holidays will begin in Iraq on Wednesday, marking the end of the US troop presence. The occasion is to be celebrated as "Independence Day", with public institutions closed. The US withdrawal marks a significant milestone in Iraq's history.
The US withdrawal from Iraq has significant implications for the region. The country is set to celebrate its "Independence Day" from Wednesday. The security situation in Iraq remains fragile, and the country will need to navigate its relationships with Iran and other regional actors.
Key points
- The US military has completed its withdrawal from Iraq, marking the end of a nearly two-year process.
- The withdrawal was agreed upon in 2024 and was completed on schedule.
- The security situation in Iraq remains fragile, and the country will need to navigate its relationships with Iran and other regional actors.
