U.S. Troops Withdraw from Iraq After Long Engagement

After 12 years of combatting ISIS and a lengthy 23 years since the Iraq War began, U.S. forces have officially exited Iraq.

On Wednesday, Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced in a statement that Operation Inherent Resolve has “formally concluded” in Iraq, with troops and equipment having left Erbil Air Base in Northern Iraq. This event marks “the successful conclusion of the military mission that defeated ISIS in Iraq.”

Parnell noted that it’s now up to the Iraqi government to assume “responsibility for addressing Iraq’s remaining security challenges,” particularly regarding ISIS remnants and Iran-aligned militias that threaten Iraq’s sovereignty and regional stability. The U.S. will continue to partner with Iraq, ensuring ISIS doesn’t regain a foothold in the region.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has indicated that the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve will be relocating to Jordan to persist in anti-ISIS operations in Syria, working alongside the Syrian government.

While the withdrawal aligns with a timeline established in a joint statement between the U.S. and Iraq from September 2024, which outlined a commitment lasting until September 2026, there are still concerns—particularly in the Kurdistan Region—about security without a strong American military presence.

The Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs stated, “U.S. withdrawal, under a Coalition-[Government of Iraq]-U.S agreement, comes at a sensitive time, when instability threatens regional and Iraqi security.”

Additionally, the Peshmerga Ministry has reported over 1,000 drone and missile attacks on the Kurdistan Region since the U.S. conflict with Iran began six months ago, leading to injuries and destruction. They pointed out the absence of an alternative air defense system as “deeply concerning.”

Parnell acknowledged these worries, emphasizing that while the U.S. will continue providing selective training and intelligence support, Iraqi forces, including those in the Kurdistan Region, need to “lead the ongoing effort to secure Iraq and suppress ISIS remnants.”

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi appeared satisfied with the troop withdrawal, suggesting it signifies “a new phase” of Iraqi “sovereignty.” He had also previously asserted that non-state militia groups would be disarmed by Wednesday, but he has now extended this deadline to the end of June 2027.

Other leaders, such as Abu Mujahid al-Assaf from the Iran-aligned Kataib Hezbollah militia, have characterized the withdrawal as a strong affirmation of Iraq’s “full sovereignty.”

Parnell reiterated the U.S. stance, expressing support for a strong and sovereign Iraq that can effectively protect its borders and populace while fostering deeper ties between the two nations in commercial, diplomatic, and security arenas.