US Forces Fully Withdraw from Iraq

Iraq’s government announced on Sunday that US forces have completed a full withdrawal from all military facilities within the country’s federal territory, marking a significant milestone in Baghdad’s efforts to assert sovereignty while redefining security cooperation with Washington.

Final US Troops Depart Al-Asad Air Base

According to Iraq’s Ministry of Defense, the final contingent of US military advisers departed from Al-Asad Air Base in Anbar province, a facility that hosted American troops for more than two decades. The withdrawal follows a gradual drawdown that began after the Iraqi government formally requested a reduction of US forces in 2023.

The ministry confirmed that installations previously used by the US-led coalition were transferred to full Iraqi security control, including facilities within the Joint Operations Command headquarters.

Coalition Mission Ends on Federal Territory

Iraqi officials stated that the US-led coalition against ISIS terrorist organization has concluded its mission on Iraq’s federal territory. The US military has maintained an advisory and assistance role since December 2021, when it formally ended its combat operations in the country.

The US Department of Defense’s Central Command confirmed that Iraq’s announcement regarding the handover of military facilities was factual, though it provided no further operational details.

US Forces Remain in Areas Under Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government

Despite the federal withdrawal, US forces continue to be stationed at Harir Air Base in Erbil province, located in areas administered by the Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government. Under Iraq’s constitution, the region operates as an autonomous federal entity with its own government, parliament, and security forces, while remaining part of the Iraqi state.

Baghdad emphasized that the withdrawal applies strictly to federal territory and does not affect existing arrangements in areas under the Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government.

A History of Fluctuating US Military Presence

The US military presence in Iraq has varied dramatically since the 2003 invasion. At its peak, around 170,000 US troops were deployed across the country. Former US President Barack Obama oversaw a full withdrawal in 2011, before approximately 5,000 troops returned in 2014 at the Iraqi government’s request to support operations against ISIS, a terrorist organization.

Since the end of the US combat mission in 2021, roughly 2,500 American troops have remained in an advisory capacity.

Regional Tensions and Repeated Attacks

US forces stationed at Al-Asad Air Base have been targeted numerous times over the years by Iran and Iran-backed armed groups. In January 2020, Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on the base in retaliation for a US drone strike near Baghdad airport that killed Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani.

Following the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel, Iran-aligned militia groups intensified missile and drone attacks on Al-Asad. In August 2024, five US service members and two US contractors were injured in one such strike.

The latest withdrawal comes amid heightened regional tensions as US President Donald Trump considers potential military action against Iran during widespread protests against Tehran’s authoritarian leadership.

Future Cooperation and Counter-ISIS Coordination

Iraqi officials said the country’s armed forces across all branches possess sufficient capabilities to secure national territory. Future cooperation with the US will focus on training programs, equipment acquisition, joint military exercises, and operational coordination under bilateral agreements.

While Baghdad considers the coalition mission concluded within Iraq, officials noted that coalition operations against ISIS, a terrorist organization, continue in Syria. Iraq expects logistical support to transit through coalition facilities in Erbil and did not rule out joint US-Iraqi counter-ISIS operations launched from Al-Asad if deemed necessary.

Impact on Militia Disarmament Talks

The US withdrawal could strengthen Baghdad’s position in negotiations over the disarmament of non-state armed groups. Several Iran-backed militias have long cited the presence of US forces as justification for retaining their weapons.

Groups such as Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba — designated by the US as terrorist entities — have rejected disarmament demands, insisting they would only relinquish arms once Iraq achieves full sovereignty, including the withdrawal of foreign forces.

There were no immediate responses from these groups following Sunday’s announcement, despite their continued influence within Iraq’s security, political, and economic landscape.