The United States military has officially concluded Operation Inherent Resolve and is withdrawing its remaining forces from Iraq, according to an announcement made by U.S. President Donald Trump on October 1, 2026. The drawdown marks the end of a military presence that began in 2003 under President George W. Bush and continued through successive administrations.
Withdrawal from Erbil Air Base Ends Deployment
The final U.S. troops are departing from Erbil Air Base in an orderly withdrawal of personnel and equipment, distinguishing the operation from the U.S. exit from Afghanistan. President Trump noted that unlike the Afghanistan withdrawal, which involved military casualties and left substantial equipment behind, the exit from Iraq marks the conclusion of a costly campaign. The U.S. military footprint in the country will not transition into a permanent presence, fulfilling a mandate to end temporary deployments.
“I set a mission, gave the commanders the means to complete it, and refused to let temporary presence turn into permanent presence,” Trump stated in a White House announcement posted on X.
The military campaign originally launched in 2003 was later reinforced in 2014 under President Barack Obama to combat ISIS. Operations continued through subsequent administrations before concluding under Trump’s current term.
Political Transition and Leadership in Baghdad
The departure of U.S. forces coincides with a political transition in Iraq. Trump expressed explicit support for Iraq’s new leader, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who secured power following an unexpected electoral victory.
“We are leaving Iraq with a great new Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi—a figure I supported from the beginning and fully endorse,” Trump said, noting that al-Zaidi won the election with an absolute majority.
Strategic Assessment of the Campaign Against ISIS
Washington has framed the conclusion of the mission as a definitive defeat of the Islamic State. The caliphate has been dismantled, removing the primary justification for a sustained American combat deployment.
“This is a victory for the United States, a victory for Iraq, and a resounding victory over ISIS, which was completely destroyed by the Trump administration in its first term,” the White House statement read. With the core military objectives achieved, American forces are returning home.
Questions about U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq
When did U.S. troops begin withdrawing from Iraq?
U.S. forces began their final withdrawal from Iraq on October 1, 2026, ending Operation Inherent Resolve.
Who is Iraq’s current Prime Minister?
Ali al-Zaidi serves as the Prime Minister of Iraq following a recent general election.
What military base is central to the final withdrawal?
Erbil Air Base serves as the primary hub where Coalition forces and equipment are staging their orderly departure.
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