US forces exit Iraq after two decades, leaving opening for Iran
Iran-backed factions call the exit a victory, while Iraqi officials warn the pullout could help Islamic State regroup and expand its influence.
- By Wednesday, the United States will complete the withdrawal of its remaining 2,500 troops from Iraq, concluding the 12-year US-led Operation Inherent Resolve mission against the Islamic State.
- In 2024, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih and Washington agreed to a normalized relationship, aiming to shift bilateral ties from security toward economic cooperation and other arenas.
- Sunni tribal leader Abdulrahman Zobaie warned Iraq is not yet ready to manage security alone, as Hezbollah and other hardline groups have shown no indication they will integrate into state forces.
- Baghdad extended the deadline for integrating militias and handing over weapons to June 30, 2027, though Alina Romanowski noted security reform will not happen soon.
- Vulnerable ethnic minorities like Yazidis could face increased exposure from October 1 onward, analysts warn, as Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi declares the date marks Iraq's full sovereignty.
259 Articles
259 Articles
The departure from Iraq of the last troops of the anti-Islamic coalition led by the United States, scheduled this Wednesday, puts an end to a presence begun in 2014. This withdrawal revives the issue of the disarmament of the pro-Iranian factions, whose groups still refuse to return arms.
U.S. forces exit Iraq after two decades, leaving opening for Iran | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
BAGHDAD >> U.S. forces are set to pull out from their last bases in Iraq by Wednesday (today in Hawaii), a departure celebrated as a victory by Iran and its allies, who now have deep influence in the country where 4,500 Americans died during more than two decades of war.
US Completing Its Withdrawal From Remaining Military Bases in Iraq
The US military is set to complete its withdrawal from its remaining bases in Iraq on Wednesday under a deal signed between the US and the Iraqi government in 2024. The US is officially ending the mission of the anti-ISIS coalition that began in 2014 after the US redeployed troops…
US Forces leave Iraq after two decades of war
US forces are set to withdraw from their last bases in Iraq by Wednesday, which is viewed positively by Iran. This military departure signifies a potential increase in Tehran's influence in the region. Iraqi security analysts warn that Islamic State may regroup following the withdrawal of US troops. The agreement for this pullout was reached in 2024 under President Joe Biden's administration.
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