US forces leave Iraq after two decades
: A US military transport aircraft stands at Camp Victory near Baghdad International Airport as US forces prepare to withdraw from their remaining bases in Iraq by Wednesday. PHOTO: REUTERS
US forces are set to leave their remaining bases in Iraq by Wednesday (today), ending a more than two-decade military presence and raising concerns among Iraqi security officials that the withdrawal could expand Iran's influence while creating space for Islamic State to regroup.
The pullout, agreed in 2024 under then-President Joe Biden and carried out by the Trump administration, is being hailed as a victory by Iran and its allied armed groups, which have long opposed the US military presence in Iraq.
US forces invaded Iraq in 2003 to topple Saddam Hussein and withdrew in 2011, but returned in 2014 to support Iraqi forces in defeating Islamic State. About 4,500 US personnel died during the Iraq war and subsequent operations.
Iraq has maintained close political and military ties with both Washington and Tehran, while Iranian-backed groups have repeatedly attacked US bases. The United States killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in a 2020 strike near Baghdad airport.
Iraqi security analysts and officials said the departure could allow Iran-backed militias to gain greater influence over security and political decision-making. Sunni tribal leaders also warned that Iraq could face a security vacuum, although the withdrawal remains broadly popular among Iraqis.
Security officials in Baghdad and the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region also warned that Islamic State could exploit reduced US intelligence, logistical support and drone capabilities. Kurdish commander Sirwan Barzani said sleeper-cell activity had increased after the planned withdrawal was announced.
Italian forces also completed their withdrawal from Iraq on Tuesday, ending a 12-year military presence. Italy had participated in the US-led Operation Inherent Resolve against Islamic State and NATO's advisory mission in Iraq. Two Italian Carabinieri officers will remain under the EU's EUAM Iraq mission.
Meanwhile, Iraqi Airways is preparing to resume flights to Iran next month after Baghdad secured a one-month exemption from US sanctions. The services will initially operate from the holy city of Najaf, subject to regulatory and technical requirements.