The Pentagon said on Wednesday it has formally completed its withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, ending two decades of foreign intervention tied to the 'global war on terror' and the fight against ISIL.
Key facts
- The Pentagon announced on Wednesday that it has formally completed its withdrawal of US troops from Iraq.
- The withdrawal comes two years after it was agreed to.
- It marks 12 years since the US mission to fight the Islamic State began.
- Iran and its allies celebrated the departure as a victory.
- Iraqi security experts worry the withdrawal could allow the Islamic State to recover.
The Pentagon announced on Wednesday that it has formally completed its withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, according to the Guardian. The move comes two years after the withdrawal was agreed to and 12 years since the US mission to fight the Islamic State started.
Al Jazeera reported that the completion of the withdrawal ends two decades of foreign intervention in Iraq, carried out as part of the ‘global war on terror’ and the anti-ISIL fight.
Reaction to the announcement was divided. According to the Guardian, Iran and its allies celebrated the departure of US forces as a victory.
At the same time, Iraqi security experts expressed concern that the withdrawal could give the Islamic State and others an opportunity to recover, the Guardian reported.
The formal completion closes a chapter of US military presence that spanned years of operations in the country, from the broader war on terror through the campaign against ISIL.
Why it matters
The departure of US troops marks the end of a long and consequential chapter of American military involvement in Iraq. It reshapes the regional security balance, with allies of Iran framing it as a win and some Iraqi experts warning of a potential resurgence of the Islamic State.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Pentagon announce the withdrawal was complete?
The Pentagon announced on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, that it had formally completed the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq.
How long had US forces been engaged in the anti-ISIL mission?
According to the Guardian, the announcement comes 12 years since the US mission to fight the Islamic State began.
What concerns have been raised about the withdrawal?
Iraqi security experts worry that the withdrawal could give the Islamic State and others a chance to recover, according to the Guardian.