The United States has completed the withdrawal of its remaining military forces from Iraq, ending a 12-year mission focused on defeating the Islamic State group and marking a major change in the country’s security landscape.

The final U.S. troops and equipment departed from an air base in Erbil, in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, on September 30. The withdrawal was carried out under an agreement reached between Baghdad and Washington in 2024.

End of the US-Led Military Mission

The U.S. military said the withdrawal marked the conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve’s combat mission in Iraq.

American forces returned to Iraq in 2014 after the Islamic State captured large areas of the country. The U.S.-led coalition subsequently worked with Iraqi security forces to defeat the group’s territorial control.

Washington and Baghdad agreed in 2024 to gradually end the coalition’s military mission, with Iraqi forces assuming primary responsibility for national security.

Baghdad Highlights National Sovereignty

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi described the departure as the beginning of a new phase for Iraq, emphasizing national sovereignty and the growing role of Iraqi institutions.

The Iraqi government has said its security forces are capable of continuing operations against remaining Islamic State cells while maintaining security across the country.

The United States is expected to shift from a wartime coalition role toward a more conventional bilateral security relationship involving areas such as training and intelligence cooperation.

Kurdish Region Raises Security Concerns

The withdrawal has generated particular concern in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

Kurdish officials have pointed to the removal of U.S. air-defense systems and the region’s exposure to drone and missile attacks during the recent conflict involving the United States and Iran.

The Kurdistan Regional Government has said the departure is occurring while the regional security environment remains difficult.

Iran-Backed Groups Celebrate Departure

Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq have welcomed the end of the U.S. military presence.

Some of these groups have portrayed the withdrawal as a restoration of Iraqi sovereignty. At the same time, the Baghdad government continues to face the complicated issue of bringing powerful armed groups fully under state control.

Militia Disarmament Deadline Extended

The Iraqi government had initially linked the U.S. withdrawal timetable to efforts to disarm non-state armed groups.

However, several powerful Iran-aligned militias have resisted the process. Baghdad has subsequently moved the deadline for completing militia disarmament to June 2027.

This means the end of the U.S. military mission does not coincide with the resolution of Iraq’s internal armed-group issue.

Islamic State Threat Remains

Although Islamic State no longer controls the large territories it once held in Iraq, the organization continues to maintain sleeper cells.

The transition therefore places greater responsibility on Iraqi security forces to prevent the group from rebuilding its operational capabilities.

Concerns have also been raised about whether the loss of some U.S. intelligence, surveillance and air-support capabilities could affect Iraq’s ability to respond to emerging threats.

A New Chapter for Iraq

The U.S. withdrawal represents a major change after more than two decades of American military involvement in Iraq.

Baghdad now faces the challenge of maintaining security while balancing relationships with the United States, Iran and other regional powers.

The immediate future will depend on the effectiveness of Iraqi security institutions, the handling of armed groups and the country’s ability to prevent Islamic State remnants or other militant organizations from exploiting security gaps.