The United States has officially completed its military withdrawal from Iraq after 12 years, with President Donald Trump criticizing the poor decision-making that led to the initial involvement in the conflict.
The withdrawal marks the end of another chapter in U.S. military operations in Iraq, following a previous departure in 2011 at the conclusion of the Iraq War, only to return to combat ISIS in 2014.
A press release from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the “orderly departure of U.S. forces and equipment” from Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq was completed on Wednesday, signaling the conclusion of the Operation Inherent Resolve mission aimed at combating the Islamic State.
This withdrawal, which began last October, aligns with a planned transition to a “U.S.-Iraq bilateral defense relationship” as outlined in an agreement made between the two nations in 2024 during the Biden administration.
The joint task force from Operation Inherent Resolve will now operate from Jordan, continuing efforts to counter ISIS in Syria while collaborating with “coalition partners” and the Syrian government.
Trump expressed his approval of the withdrawal on Truth Social, praising new Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and calling out previous administrations for prolonging U.S. involvement in Iraq:
“Today, I am pleased to announce, that the last American Forces are leaving Iraq! It has been a long time, with very bad decision-making that got us involved in this quagmire in the first place, but soon, that will be part of History. This is a Great Day for America and, importantly, we leave with Iraq having a wonderful new Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, somebody I supported from the beginning and fully endorsed. He won an Election that he was not expected to win, and did so, in a landslide!
“Launched in 2003 under George W. Bush’s presidency and continued through Barack Obama and Joe Biden, Operation Inherent Resolve concludes in 2026 under President Donald Trump’s leadership. This Day is a victory for the United States, a victory for Iraq, and a decisive victory over ISIS, which has been completely decimated. Unlike Afghanistan, where much Military Equipment and everything else was left behind, and 13 Warriors lie dead, with many badly wounded, this orderly departure of Coalition forces and equipment from Erbil Air Base marks the end of a very expensive excursion into Hell. I set a clear mission, gave our Commanders the tools to finish it, and refused to allow a temporary presence to become permanent. I had a choice to stay or leave, and felt, without question, that it was time for America to go home! Prime Minister al-Zaidi is outstanding, and he will hopefully be able to manage things well. We came to fight a caliphate. There is no longer a caliphate. We are going home!”
CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper acknowledged the efforts of American service members in a statement, saying, “Job well done to the tens of thousands of American service members, diplomats, and civilian personnel who answered the call in Iraq.”
He added, “Because of your grit, sacrifice, and professionalism, ISIS no longer poses a systemic threat to Iraq’s national security. Iraqi security forces, including the Peshmerga and other Kurdish forces, now have the capability, leadership, and operational independence to manage threats independently.” He noted that the U.S. has stepped back, returning “full primary responsibility” for Iraq’s security to its government and people.
