The United States has completed the withdrawal of its remaining forces and equipment from Iraq, formally ending the U.S.-led Operation Inherent Resolve mission in the country. The final departure took place from Erbil Air Base on September 30, marking the end of a military presence that dates back to the 2003 invasion and later resumed in 2014 to fight the Islamic State group.
The withdrawal follows a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad to wind down the coalition’s military mission in Iraq. U.S. forces had already left bases across most of the country, while several hundred personnel remained in the northern Kurdish region. The remaining troops have now departed, with the U.S.-led counter-ISIS operation continuing from Jordan and the two countries expected to maintain a bilateral security relationship.
The exit comes amid continuing security concerns in Iraq and the wider region. Reuters reported that Iraqi officials and analysts have raised concerns about the potential for a security gap, increased influence of Iran-backed armed groups and a possible resurgence of Islamic State. Iraq has said its own security forces are now responsible for maintaining security, while Washington will continue supporting counter-ISIS efforts from outside Iraq.