US-led coalition withdraws from Iraq after 12-year anti-IS mission
The US-led international coalition is ending its military presence in Iraq on Wednesday, concluding a 12-year campaign against the Islamic State. The withdrawal follows a formal request from Baghdad and marks a shift in Iraq's security posture, though residual US forces may remain under a separate bilateral arrangement. The move reduces US military footprint in the Middle East and raises questions about Iraq's capacity to counter a potential IS resurgence.
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US Completes Iraq Military Withdrawal, Pro-Iran Militias Remain Armed
US forces have completed their full military withdrawal from Iraq, ending a two-decade presence and the anti-ISIS coalition's combat mission. This fulfills the 2024 agreement under the Biden administration, with all bases transferred to Iraqi authorities. The withdrawal creates a security vacuum and leaves unresolved the disarmament of powerful pro-Iranian militias, raising concerns about internal conflict and increased Iranian influence.