Last American Forces leaving Iraq: Trump announces end of US military presence
President Trump declares the end of Operation Inherent Resolve as the last American forces depart Iraq, marking a victory over ISIS.
In a major shift for Middle Eastern geopolitics, United States President Donald Trump has announced that the final contingent of American troops is pulling out of Iraq. This move marks the formal conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve, a mission Trump hailed as a "decisive victory over ISIS."
Addressing the media on Wednesday, the President declared the exit a significant triumph for both the United States and Iraq. "Today, I am pleased to announce that the last American Forces are leaving Iraq!" Trump stated, emphasizing that the mission to dismantle the ISIS caliphate has been successfully completed.
A Decades-Long Presence Comes to an End
The withdrawal signifies the end of more than two decades of American military involvement in the region. Trump noted that the mission, which began under President George W. Bush in 2003, continued through the administrations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden before reaching its final conclusion in 2026 under his leadership.
Reflecting on the history of the conflict, Trump described the involvement as a "quagmire" resulting from poor decision-making in the past. "We came to fight a caliphate. There is no longer a caliphate. We are going home!" he declared in a statement shared on X.
Orderly Departure vs. Afghanistan Withdrawal
During his announcement, the President drew a sharp comparison between the current situation in Iraq and the 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan. He highlighted the differences in how the exits were managed, noting the orderly nature of the departure from the Erbil Air Base.
"Unlike Afghanistan, where much military equipment and everything else was left behind, and 13 warriors lie dead, with many badly wounded, this orderly departure of Coalition forces and equipment from Erbil Air Base marks the end of a very expensive excursion into Hell," Trump said.
He further asserted that his administration focused on ensuring a temporary military presence did not become a permanent fixture in the region.
New Leadership in Iraq
Trump took the opportunity to praise the new Iraqi Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi. The President expressed his full endorsement of al-Zaidi, noting that the leader won his election in a landslide despite being an unexpected victor. Trump expressed optimism that the new Prime Minister would manage the country's affairs effectively following the US exit.
Context of the Withdrawal
The withdrawal plan was originally negotiated by the Biden administration in 2024, with a deadline set for September 30. The Trump administration has since worked to implement the transition. The history of US presence in Iraq is complex:
- 2003: US invasion begins.
- 2011: US troops initially leave Iraq after an eight-year presence.
- 2014: US forces return to counter the rise of ISIS.
- 2019: ISIS is militarily defeated, though a small US presence remains to prevent resurgence.
The departure occurs amidst a shifting security landscape in the region, particularly following the US conflict with Iran. Iraq maintains deep political and military ties with Iran, which supports various militia groups within the country. While the Erbil presence has ended, reports suggest that remaining US forces may be relocating to Jordan to monitor ongoing regional developments.