The US Department of Defense announced on Wednesday that the US military has completed its withdrawal from Iraq. The Pentagon stated that the US and its coalition partners are formally concluding Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. The withdrawal of coalition forces and equipment from Al Asad Air Base represents the end of a military mission that defeated ISIS in Iraq.
The US military's withdrawal from Iraq marks the end of a mission that began in 2014, when ISIS seized large areas of the country. The US-led coalition worked to defeat ISIS, and the terrorist organization was defeated in Iraq in 2017. Although the military mission has ended, the US will continue to provide training and intelligence support to its Iraqi partners.
The Iraqi government has welcomed the US military's withdrawal, with Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaydi announcing that a new phase of Iraqi sovereignty has begun. Al-Zaydi stated that the transition of joint operations from the international coalition to the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces has begun. He emphasized that the next phase will focus on consolidating state authority and security institutions.
The US military's withdrawal from Iraq is part of a broader effort to reduce the US military presence in the country. In 2024, the US and Iraq agreed to gradually end the coalition's mission, with US forces withdrawing from bases across the country. The US military presence will now be limited to the Kurdistan region in northern Iraq.
The Iraqi government sees the US military's withdrawal as an opportunity to assert its sovereignty and reduce the influence of Iranian-backed militias. The government hopes that the withdrawal will help to reduce tensions and promote stability in the country. The US will continue to provide support to Iraq, including intelligence and training, to help the country maintain its security.
The transition of security responsibilities from the US-led coalition to the Iraqi military is expected to be a key challenge in the coming months. The Iraqi military will need to demonstrate its ability to secure the country and protect its citizens from terrorist threats. The US will continue to provide support to Iraq to help the country achieve its security goals.
The US military's withdrawal from Iraq marks a significant milestone in the country's transition to stability and sovereignty. The US will continue to maintain a relationship with Iraq, providing support and cooperation in areas such as security, economics, and culture. The two countries are expected to continue to work together to promote regional stability and security.
Key points
- The US military has completed its withdrawal from Iraq, marking the end of a mission that began over a decade ago to combat ISIS.
- The Iraqi government has welcomed the US military's withdrawal, seeing it as an opportunity to assert its sovereignty and reduce the influence of Iranian-backed militias.
- The US will continue to provide support to Iraq, including intelligence and training, to help the country maintain its security and stability.
