The departure ends the latest chapter of a U.S. military presence that began with the 2003 invasion and later shifted toward counterterrorism operations.
U.S. forces completed their planned withdrawal from Iraq on Wednesday, fulfilling a timetable established under a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad.
The departure comes 23 years after U.S.-led forces invaded Iraq and removed Saddam Hussein from power. American troops later returned in significant numbers as part of the international campaign against ISIS.
The withdrawal was negotiated during the Biden administration and completed under President Trump.
Iraq Takes Greater Security Responsibility
Iraqi leaders have described the withdrawal as an important step toward full sovereignty and greater responsibility for the country’s security.
U.S. forces had continued providing intelligence, surveillance and other support to Iraqi security forces combating remaining ISIS cells.
Reuters reported that security officials and analysts are now watching whether Iraqi forces can maintain pressure on ISIS remnants without the same level of American assistance.
Iran and Iranian-backed groups have welcomed the American withdrawal. Iran has developed extensive political and military influence in Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein.
A Long American Chapter Closes
About 4,500 U.S. service members were killed during the Iraq War and subsequent operations.
Although the large-scale U.S. military presence has ended, Washington retains diplomatic and security relationships with Baghdad. The longer-term effects of the withdrawal on Iraqi security, ISIS activity and regional Iranian influence remain uncertain.
