US Troops Officially Leave Iraq After 12-Year ISIS Mission
The United States military is withdrawing its troops from Iraq, ending the mission against the Islamic State group or ISIS known as Operation Inherent Resolve, as reported by news.detik.com.
President Trump Declares Victory Over ISIS As UK Concludes Operations
Trump stated that he won an election that was not initially predicted to be won, and that he won with an absolute advantage. Alongside US forces, the United Kingdom also completed the withdrawal of its remaining 100 military personnel from Irbil in Iraq’s northern Kurdistan region. The UK Ministry of Defence noted that Iraqi Security Forces and Kurdish Peshmerga have ensured the sustained territorial defeat of Daesh, allowing both nations to transition toward long-term security cooperation under Iraqi leadership.
Iraq Declares Independence Day As Iran Welcomes The Withdrawal
The Iraqi government designated October 1 as a day for a new journey, declaring a four-day official holiday to celebrate full national sovereignty and the removal of foreign military presence. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi stated that the nation is now free from foreign military forces and prepared to shoulder complete responsibility for internal stability. Across the border, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) celebrated the departure as a historic victory, congratulating the Iraqi people, the united front of Islamic Resistance, and the revolutionary fighters of the Islamic world while calling for all American forces to exit the wider Middle East region.
Strategic Impact and the Risk of Rising Regional Influence
Prime Minister al-Zaidi is concerned that Washington could begin to view Iraq and Iran-backed non-state militias as too close to Tehran, given that the US and Israel are at war with Iran. Meanwhile, local tribal leaders in areas such as Fallujah have expressed anxiety that Iraqi security forces may not yet be fully prepared to take over security responsibilities.
US Retains Capability to Send Forces Back to Iraq
Despite the exit of US and British personnel, foreign military presence in the country has not vanished entirely. President Trump stated during a White House event reported by ANTARA News Central Sulawesi that the United States retains the capability to send military forces back into Iraq if future circumstances require it.
Frequently Asked Questions About the US Withdrawal From Iraq
What specific agreement governed the final US withdrawal from Iraq?
The withdrawal followed a bilateral agreement finalized between Baghdad and Washington in 2024 to conclude the coalition mission by the end of September 2026.
Who retains control over military bases previously used by coalition forces?
Responsibility for security has been transferred to the Iraqi Security Forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga.
What intelligence and training support does the US still provide to Iraq?
According to Pentagon announcements detailed by ANTARA News Central Sulawesi, the US military will continue to offer limited assistance, including military training and intelligence-sharing capabilities.
Worth a look