The United States has officially completed its military withdrawal from Iraq, ending a mission that lasted 12 years and focused on fighting the Islamic State group. The final American troops departed from northern Iraq on September 30 under an agreement reached between Washington and Baghdad.
Military officials confirmed that the last troops left a base in Irbil, located in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region. The departure marks the end of a military presence that began after the rapid rise of the Islamic State group in 2014.
President Donald Trump praised the withdrawal and described it as an orderly operation. Speaking at a White House event, he said the mission had lasted for many years and represented a difficult period in American foreign policy.
Trump said the end of the deployment was a positive development for both countries. He argued that the withdrawal reflects progress made against the Islamic State group and opens the door for a new chapter in relations between the United States and Iraq.
The withdrawal comes during a period of continued instability in the Middle East. Tensions between the United States and Iran have affected the wider region, including Iraq, where armed groups linked to Tehran have carried out attacks on American interests.
At the same time, US forces have launched operations against militia targets connected to Iran. These developments have highlighted the challenges facing Iraq as it seeks to balance relations with regional and international partners.
Despite those concerns, Iraqi and American officials agreed that Iraqi security forces are now in a position to take the lead in protecting the country. The withdrawal plan was approved as part of a long-term effort to transfer security responsibilities to local forces.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the departure marks the successful completion of a campaign that helped dismantle the Islamic State group’s territorial control.
According to Parnell, the United States will continue to cooperate with Iraq through intelligence sharing, military training, and security coordination. He said the relationship is shifting from a combat mission to a more traditional partnership between two allied nations.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi described the moment as a major milestone for the country. He said the withdrawal demonstrates Iraq’s growing confidence, stronger institutions, and increasing ability to manage its own security affairs.
Al-Zaidi stated that Iraqi forces remain committed to preventing the return of extremist organizations. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening government authority across the country.
The United States first invaded Iraq in 2003. American troops later left the country in 2011. However, a new international mission was launched in 2014 after the Islamic State group captured large areas of Iraqi territory and threatened major cities.
The coalition campaign helped Iraqi forces regain control of key areas and weaken the militant organization. In recent years, the group has been reduced to isolated cells that continue to pose security risks but no longer control significant territory.
Most American forces had already left Iraq before the final withdrawal. Only a small number of troops remained in the Kurdish region, where they continued to support local security operations.
The departure has produced mixed reactions inside Iraq. Government leaders welcomed the move as a sign of national sovereignty and independence. Many political groups also viewed it as an important achievement.
However, some Kurdish officials expressed concern about the loss of direct American military support. Leaders in the region warned that security threats remain and said the withdrawal could create new challenges.
Questions also remain about the future of powerful armed factions operating outside full government control. Iraqi authorities have attempted to limit the influence of these groups and place weapons under state supervision.
While some organizations have shown willingness to cooperate, others continue to resist disarmament efforts. The issue remains one of the most difficult security challenges facing the Iraqi government.
Iran-aligned militias welcomed the departure of US forces and described it as a victory for Iraqi sovereignty. At the same time, several groups indicated that discussions with the government regarding weapons and security arrangements remain unresolved.
The Iraq US troop withdrawal closes a major chapter in modern Middle East history. As Iraq assumes greater responsibility for its security, attention will now focus on whether the country can maintain stability, contain extremist threats, and strengthen state institutions in the years ahead.
