In a landmark development for its national security, the government of Iraq has officially declared the complete withdrawal of United States military forces from all facilities located within its federal territory. This significant move marks a major shift in the country's security arrangements, though it notably excludes the autonomous Kurdistan Region where American troops will continue to be stationed.
End of an Era at Al-Asad Air Base
The Iraqi Ministry of Defense confirmed that the final contingent of US military advisers has departed from the strategically important Al-Asad Air Base in Anbar province. This exit concludes a military presence that spanned more than two decades, beginning after the 2003 US-led invasion. Al-Asad had long served as one of the most crucial US military hubs in western Iraq.
This drawdown follows several years of phased reductions, initiated after the Iraqi government in Baghdad formally requested a decrease in foreign forces. Beyond Al-Asad, the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) has also withdrawn from the Joint Operations Command headquarters. Full operational control of these facilities has now been transferred to Iraqi security forces.
Kurdistan Region and Ongoing US Presence
Despite the withdrawal from federal territory, US troops will maintain operations from Harir Air Base in Erbil province, which lies within the Kurdistan Region. Iraq's constitution grants this area a unique status as an autonomous federal entity, complete with its own regional government, parliament, and security forces. Consequently, the central government in Baghdad does not exercise full authority over the region.
The US military footprint in Iraq has seen dramatic changes over the years. Numbers peaked at roughly 170,000 troops before a full withdrawal in 2011. American forces returned in 2014 at the Iraqi government's invitation to help combat the ISIS threat. Since the official end of the US combat mission, remaining personnel have served in advisory and support roles.
Regional Tensions and Future Cooperation
This withdrawal occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly between the United States and Iran. Al-Asad Air Base has been a repeated target for attacks by Iran and Iran-aligned armed groups. A major incident saw Iran launch ballistic missiles at the base in 2020 as retaliation for the US drone strike that killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani. More recent attacks have resulted in injuries to US personnel and contractors.
Iraqi authorities assert that their armed forces now possess the necessary capability to secure the nation's territory. Future collaboration with the United States is expected to focus on areas defined by bilateral agreements, including:
- Training and capacity building
- Acquisition of military equipment
- Joint military exercises
- Operational coordination
While Iraq considers the coalition's mission concluded within its federal borders, the fight against ISIS continues in neighboring Syria. Iraqi officials indicated that logistical support might still flow through the coalition's base in Erbil and did not exclude the possibility of future joint counter-ISIS operations launched from Al-Asad if required.
The withdrawal could also impact internal Iraqi politics, potentially strengthening Baghdad's hand in negotiations concerning the disarmament of non-state armed groups. Several Iran-backed militias have historically cited the presence of foreign forces as a key reason for retaining their weapons, arguing that true sovereignty requires the departure of all foreign troops. There was no immediate public reaction from these groups following the announcement.
Official footage released by the Iraqi defense ministry showed senior military commanders inspecting the now-vacated corridors and facilities at Al-Asad. US Central Command confirmed the transfer of installations to Iraqi control but offered no further details.
