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    Pentagon Completes US Troop Withdrawal from Iraq Ending Operation Inherent Resolve

    Section editor: ·Moderate10 articles covering this·10 news sources·Updated 15 hours ago·World
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    A timeline graphic showing the US troop presence in Iraq, ending with the withdrawal date.

    What happened

    The Pentagon formally completed the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq on September 30, 2026.

    The Context

    • Operation Inherent Resolve: This mission began in 2014 to combat ISIS and has now concluded after 12 years.
    • Sovereignty Day: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi declared the withdrawal date as a national milestone, celebrating Iraq's regained autonomy.
    • Future Support: While US troops have left, limited training and intelligence support will continue, shifting the primary security responsibility to Iraqi forces.

    The Number

    Approximately 2,500

    US troops were stationed in Iraq prior to the final withdrawal, highlighting the scale of the military presence and its implications for regional stability.

    Takeaway

    As the US steps back, the focus will shift to how Iraqi forces manage security and the potential resurgence of ISIS.

    10 Articles
    The Guardian

    Pentagon says it has formally completed withdrawal of US troops from Iraq

    The Pentagon has announced the formal completion of the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, marking the end of a military presence that began 12 years ago with the mission to combat the Islamic State. This decision follows an agreement made two years ...

    The Guardian

    Pentagon says it has formally completed withdrawal of US troops from Iraq

    The Pentagon has announced the formal completion of the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, marking the end of a military presence that began 12 years ago with the mission to combat the Islamic State. This decision follows an agreement made two years ...

    Los Angeles Times

    U.S. troops leave Iraq, but future of Iran-backed militias remains uncertain

    The U.S. military has completed its withdrawal from Iraq, marking the end of a two-decade presence that began with the 2003 invasion. This decision follows an agreement made two years prior and occurs amid ongoing tensions with Iran, which has histor...

    Los Angeles Times

    U.S. troops leave Iraq, but future of Iran-backed militias remains uncertain

    The U.S. military has completed its withdrawal from Iraq, marking the end of a two-decade presence that began with the 2003 invasion. This decision follows an agreement made two years prior and occurs amid ongoing tensions with Iran, which has histor...

    Global News

    U.S. military says the last of its troops in Iraq have withdrawn

    The U.S. military has announced the withdrawal of its last troops from Iraq, a move that concludes a military presence lasting over two decades. This decision follows an agreement made two years ago and occurs amid ongoing tensions between the United...

    Global News

    U.S. military says the last of its troops in Iraq have withdrawn

    The U.S. military has announced the withdrawal of its last troops from Iraq, a move that concludes a military presence lasting over two decades. This decision follows an agreement made two years ago and occurs amid ongoing tensions between the United...

    BBC News

    Last UK and US troops leave Iraq as anti-Islamic State mission ends

    The last UK and US troops have officially withdrawn from Iraq, marking the conclusion of a military presence that began with the 2003 invasion and was formalized under an agreement made two years ago. This withdrawal aligns with a key demand from the...

    France 24

    Mixed reactions in Iraq on final day of US-led coalition withdrawal

    The US military has completed the withdrawal of all American troops from Iraq, marking the end of a 12-year mission aimed at combating the Islamic State group. The last troops departed from an air base in northern Iraq under an agreement between Bagh...

    France 24 Middle East

    Mixed reactions in Iraq on final day of US-led coalition withdrawal

    The US military has completed the withdrawal of all American troops from Iraq, marking the end of a 12-year mission aimed at combating the Islamic State group. The last troops departed from an air base in northern Iraq under an agreement between Bagh...

    Saudi Gazette

    US ends Iraq mission as last American troops leave

    Iraq has officially announced the end of the US-led military mission, with the last American troops departing the country on Wednesday. This decision follows negotiations that began in July 2021, as stated by Qasim al-Araji, the prime minister's secu...

    HuffPost

    U.S. Military Says Its Withdrawal Of Troops From Iraq Is Complete

    The U.S. military has completed its withdrawal from Iraq, marking the end of a military presence that began with the 2003 invasion. This final departure occurred under an agreement between Baghdad and Washington, concluding a two-decade involvement t...

    NPR

    The U.S. military withdraws from Iraq over 2 decades after its invasion

    The United States military has officially completed its withdrawal from Iraq, concluding a military presence that began with the invasion in 2003. This withdrawal comes 23 years after the initial invasion, which led to significant unrest, including a...

    NPR

    The U.S. military withdraws from Iraq over 2 decades after its invasion

    The United States military has officially completed its withdrawal from Iraq, concluding a military presence that began with the invasion in 2003. This withdrawal comes 23 years after the initial invasion, which led to significant unrest, including a...

    Al Jazeera

    US troops fully withdraw from Baghdad base after two decades

    US Army soldiers have completed their withdrawal from the US base in Baghdad, marking the end of a two-decade military presence in Iraq. This decision reflects a significant shift in US foreign policy and military strategy in the region, as the focus...

    Al Jazeera

    US troops fully withdraw from Baghdad base after two decades

    US Army soldiers have completed their withdrawal from the US base in Baghdad, marking the end of a two-decade military presence in Iraq. This decision reflects a significant shift in US foreign policy and military strategy in the region, as the focus...

    Sky News

    US forces to leave last bases in Iraq despite fears Iran will exploit withdrawal

    US forces are preparing to withdraw from their last bases in Iraq, marking the end of a military presence that has lasted over two decades and resulted in the deaths of 4,500 American soldiers. This decision comes amid concerns that Iran may take adv...

    Sky News

    US forces to leave last bases in Iraq despite fears Iran will exploit withdrawal

    US forces are preparing to withdraw from their last bases in Iraq, marking the end of a military presence that has lasted over two decades and resulted in the deaths of 4,500 American soldiers. This decision comes amid concerns that Iran may take adv...