Last US troops leave Iraq as coalition mission against ISIS ends

The last United States troops stationed in Iraq as part of an international coalition formed to fight the Islamic State group were slated to leave the country on Wednesday, under an agreement reached between Baghdad and Washington, France 24 reported.

As the departure takes effect, the Iraqi army is officially taking over the coalition's remaining bases, a step that the Iraqi government has described as part of its effort to strengthen its own military capabilities and reaffirm the country's sovereignty.

The withdrawal marks the formal conclusion of the coalition's military presence in Iraq, years after it was first established to combat the Islamic State group, which at its height controlled large swaths of Iraqi and Syrian territory.

Some residents living near the former US bases, who have at times found themselves caught in the crossfire of attacks targeting coalition forces, are reported to be hoping the withdrawal brings a fresh start for their communities.

France 24 correspondents Amar el-Hameedawi, Marie-Charlotte Roupie and Laurent Berstecher filed the report from Iraq, documenting the transition as it unfolded on the ground. The full implications of the withdrawal for Iraq's security posture and its relationship with Washington are expected to become clearer in the weeks ahead.