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    US Completes Troop Withdrawal from Iraq Ending Operation Inherent Resolve

    Section editor: ·Low8 articles covering this·8 news sources·Updated a day ago·World
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    A timeline graphic showing the US military's involvement in Iraq, ending with the 2026 troop withdrawal.

    What happened

    The Pentagon announced the formal completion of the US troop withdrawal from Iraq on September 30, 2026, concluding Operation Inherent Resolve.

    The Context

    • 12 years of military engagement: The US-led coalition's mission began in 2014 to combat ISIS, following an earlier invasion in 2003.
    • Shift in security responsibility: Iraq's government now takes the lead in national security, with the US providing limited training and intelligence support.
    • Mixed reactions: While the Iraqi government celebrated the withdrawal, concerns linger about the potential resurgence of ISIS and the influence of Iran-backed militias.

    The Number

    Approximately 2,500

    — the number of US troops stationed in Iraq prior to the final withdrawal, highlighting the scale of the military presence over the years.

    Takeaway

    As Iraq assumes greater control over its security, the focus will shift to how this impacts regional stability and US-Iraq relations moving forward.

    8 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...

    Gulf Times

    US formally concludes mission in Iraq: Pentagon

    The United States has officially concluded its military mission in Iraq, marking the end of a two-decade presence that began in 2003. This announcement follows the withdrawal of American troops from the Erbil airbase in the Kurdistan region, signalin...

    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...