US Military Completes Iraq Withdrawal, Concluding Operation Inherent Resolve

The U.S. military has concluded its Operation Inherent Resolve mission in Iraq, completing the withdrawal of American forces and equipment from Erbil Air Base. U.S. Central Command announced Wednesday that this departure signifies the closure of the Iraq chapter of the U.S.-led military mission against the Islamic State group, which began in 2014.

Primary responsibility for the country's security now shifts to Iraqi forces. The broader counter-ISIS campaign is ongoing, with the U.S.-led task force relocating its headquarters to Jordan and continuing operations in Syria.

"Job well done to the tens of thousands of American service members, diplomats, and civilian personnel who answered the call in Iraq," said CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper. "Because of your grit, sacrifice and professionalism, ISIS no longer poses a systemic threat to Iraq’s national security and Iraqi security forces, including the Peshmerga and other Iraqi Kurdistan Region security forces, now possess the capacity, leadership, and operational independence to unilaterally manage threats to their homeland."

Erbil Air Base served as the main operational hub for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, hosting the majority of the approximately 1,500 American and Coalition forces supporting counter-ISIS operations. U.S. and Coalition forces began withdrawing from federal Iraq in October, as Washington and Baghdad transitioned toward a bilateral defense relationship. The final removal of personnel and equipment from Erbil on September 30 finalized this transition.

Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve continues its operations, now headquartered in Jordan. U.S. forces also remain engaged in counter-ISIS operations in Syria, collaborating with Coalition partners and the Syrian government.

"As we step back and hand full primary responsibility for Iraq’s security to the Government of Iraq and the brave people of Iraq, U.S. and Coalition forces stationed across the region will remain ready to respond to any ISIS threats that arise," Cooper stated. "Maintaining our vigilance and readiness is essential to protecting the U.S. homeland and strengthening regional security."

The withdrawal concludes a U.S. military presence in Iraq that was re-established in 2014 when Iraqi authorities sought international assistance against ISIS. U.S. troops had previously departed Iraq in 2011.

The final departure occurs as Iraq confronts a distinct security challenge from influential Iran-backed militias operating within the country. While the Iraqi government aims to consolidate control over non-state armed groups, some of the most prominent militias have resisted disarmament.

Reactions within Iraq to the withdrawal have varied. Groups aligned with Iran have welcomed the U.S. departure, whereas officials in the Kurdish region have expressed concerns regarding the diminished American air-defense capabilities amid existing drone and missile threats.