The US Pentagon announced on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, that it has completed the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, marking the end of the military mission in the country. This move comes as part of an agreement between Washington and Baghdad to end the US military presence in Iraq, which was initially established to combat the Islamic State (ISIS). The agreement had been in the works for some time, with the Iraqi government setting a deadline of September 30 for the withdrawal.
The US military presence in Iraq was significantly reduced over the past year, with American forces withdrawing from most areas of the country. However, a limited number of troops remained in the Kurdistan region in northern Iraq. These troops were stationed in several bases, which had been targeted by repeated attacks since the US and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran on February 28.
The Iraqi government had initially tied the withdrawal of US troops to the disarmament of non-governmental armed groups by the same deadline. While a few groups with limited influence agreed to surrender their arms, powerful groups either rejected the idea or set conditions that the government found difficult to meet. The disarmament process remains a significant challenge for the Iraqi government.
The US military mission in Iraq was established in 2014, as part of a global coalition to combat ISIS. The mission involved training and advising Iraqi security forces, as well as conducting airstrikes against ISIS targets. The US military presence in Iraq had been a contentious issue, with some Iraqis viewing it as an occupation.
The withdrawal of US troops from Iraq marks a significant shift in the country's security landscape. The Iraqi government will now be responsible for securing the country without the support of US military personnel. The government has stated that it will continue to work with international partners to combat terrorism and maintain stability in the region.
The US Pentagon stated that the withdrawal of troops from Iraq is in line with the agreement between Washington and Baghdad. The Pentagon did not provide further details on the withdrawal process or the number of troops involved. However, it is understood that several hundred US military personnel remain in the region, working with Kurdish forces.
The future of US-Iraq relations remains uncertain, with both countries facing significant challenges in the region. The US will continue to provide military assistance to Iraq, including training and equipment, to help the country maintain stability and security. Key points: The US has completed the withdrawal of its troops from Iraq, marking the end of its military mission in the country; The withdrawal was part of an agreement between Washington and Baghdad to end the US military presence in Iraq; The Iraqi government faces significant challenges in disarming non-governmental armed groups.
