US completes troop withdrawal from Iraq, ending decade-long coalition mission

The United States has withdrawn its remaining troops from Iraq, concluding a US-led coalition mission that began more than a decade ago to combat jihadist groups in the country, chiefly the Islamic State group.

Iraqi leaders have celebrated the withdrawal as a milestone, framing it as a step toward full national sovereignty over security matters. The coalition was originally formed in response to the rapid territorial gains made by the Islamic State group across large parts of Iraq and Syria starting in 2014, and it has provided training, air support and advisory assistance to Iraqi forces in the years since.

The move comes as security analysts raise concerns that the departure could create openings for armed factions aligned with Iran to expand their influence in Iraq. Iran-backed groups have long maintained a significant presence in the country, and some observers argue that a reduced US and coalition footprint could embolden these factions or complicate efforts to contain remnants of the Islamic State group.

The timing of the withdrawal has drawn attention, with questions raised about why this moment was chosen for the coalition to formally end its mission. Iraqi and coalition officials have not detailed all of the security arrangements that will remain in place going forward.

The withdrawal marks a significant shift in the US military footprint in the Middle East, a region where Washington has maintained forces for security and counterterrorism purposes for decades.