US Troops Conclude Iraq Mission Amid Unfinished Disarmament Efforts
Operation Inherent Resolve ends after two decades, with ISIS threat diminished but Iran-backed militias still a concern.
U.S. troops are scheduled to conclude their military mission in Iraq on Wednesday, marking the end of Operation Inherent Resolve after more than 20 years. The withdrawal comes as the threat posed by the Islamic State group has significantly diminished, though concerns remain regarding the presence of armed Iran-backed militias.
The U.S. military presence in Iraq began with the 2003 invasion that overthrew Saddam Hussein. The mission later evolved to combat the Islamic State group following its rapid expansion across Iraq and Syria. In recent years, the remaining U.S. forces have also served as a counterweight to Iranian influence and have been targets of Iran-backed militias.
The agreement to end the U.S. mission was reached under a different administration and military leadership, before the recent direct conflict between the U.S. and Iran. This has led to the final phase of withdrawal occurring in a security environment distinct from the one anticipated when the timeline was negotiated.
Approximately 2,500 U.S. troops had been operating in Iraq as part of the U.S.-led coalition. While the ISIS threat has waned, with Defense Intelligence Agency assessments indicating the group is severely degraded and CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper noting a 70% drop in attacks since 2023, Baghdad's efforts to disarm Iran-linked militias have faced setbacks. These groups retain significant weaponry, including rockets, missiles, and drones.
The Iraqi government had initially aimed to bring armed groups operating outside state control under heel by the same Sept. 30 deadline. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi stated that the departure of U.S. forces would remove a primary justification for these militias to remain armed. However, several powerful Iran-backed factions have resisted disarmament calls. A U.S. government report indicated that while two prominent factions initially agreed to surrender weapons, others refused.
Baghdad has since adjusted its timeline, with the government now targeting June 30, 2027, for the completion of this process. This revised plan includes an initial 90-day period where armed groups would halt attacks in exchange for assurances that U.S. forces would not target them, followed by a gradual surrender of weapons or integration under state control.
The U.S. military mission's end follows the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan in 2021, which concluded another two-decade war. The Afghanistan withdrawal was criticized for its chaotic execution and resulted in casualties.
The Pentagon has not confirmed whether the timeline for the Iraq withdrawal remains on track or provided details on any continuing U.S. military involvement. The U.S. military's operational headquarters for Operation Inherent Resolve shifted to Amman, Jordan, earlier this year, facilitating the redeployment of personnel and assets as Iraqi forces assume greater responsibility for counterterrorism operations.