The US will end its military presence in Iraq on 30 September, which began in 2003 after the invasion of Iraq. The final withdrawal was envisaged by the agreement reached between Baghdad and Washington in 2024.
Under that agreement, the US-led international coalition will gradually end its military mission in Iraq, while primary responsibility for the country’s security and ground operations will pass to Iraqi forces. The coalition has also handed over to Baghdad its main headquarters located at Baghdad International Airport.
Iraqi armed forces spokesman Sabah Naaman has said that the coalition’s last personnel will leave the country on 30 September, describing it as the restoration of Iraq’s full sovereignty.
At the same time, the US and some coalition countries may maintain bilateral security cooperation with Iraq. Washington may also provide air support for operations against the “Islamic State” at Baghdad’s request.
Iraqi Kurdistan leader Masrour Barzani, however, has questioned the timing of the complete withdrawal of US troops, noting that instability still persists in the region, and that the Kurdistan Region does not have sufficient defensive capabilities to confront security threats alone.
