AMERICAN FORCES LEAVE IRAQ AS BAGHDAD TAKES FULL SECURITY RESPONSIBILITY

September 30, 2026

The United States has completed the withdrawal of its military forces and equipment from Iraq, formally ending the U.S.-led Operation Inherent Resolve mission in the country after 12 years of counter-ISIS operations.

The final American personnel departed Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq on September 30 under an agreement between Washington and Baghdad. The base had served as the principal operational hub for the international coalition's activities against the Islamic State.

The withdrawal transfers primary responsibility for Iraq's national security to Iraqi forces, including federal security units and forces in the Kurdistan region. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi described the development as the beginning of a new phase centred on national sovereignty and strengthened Iraqi institutions.

The broader campaign against ISIS is not ending. The Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve has shifted its headquarters to Jordan, while U.S. forces continue counter-ISIS operations in Syria alongside coalition partners and the Syrian government.

The departure comes amid continuing security challenges inside Iraq. Kurdish authorities have expressed concern about the loss of American military capabilities, including air-defence support, while Iran-aligned armed groups have welcomed the withdrawal.

Washington and Baghdad are now moving towards a bilateral defence relationship, with the United States expected to continue providing selected training, intelligence and other forms of security cooperation to Iraqi partners.

The completion of the withdrawal marks the end of the latest phase of the American military presence in Iraq, which was re-established in 2014 after ISIS captured large areas of the country.