US Troops Set to Exit Iraq After 12-Year ISIS Fight
US military is set to complete its withdrawal from Iraq on Wednesday, ending a decade-long mission against ISIS.
In a move that marks a significant shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, the United States military is expected to complete its withdrawal from Iraq this Wednesday. This departure concludes a 12-year mission that was originally launched to combat the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) militant group.
A Decade of Conflict and Re-engagement
The current withdrawal follows a complex history of American involvement in the region. While US forces initially departed Iraq in 2011 after an eight-year presence following the 2003 invasion, they were forced to return in 2014. This return was prompted by the rapid expansion of ISIS, which had seized vast territories across Iraq and Syria, posing a direct threat to Baghdad.
Although the US-led coalition successfully achieved a military victory over ISIS in 2019, American forces remained stationed in the country to serve as a deterrent against any potential resurgence of the militant group. In the months leading up to this final exit, the military had been consolidating its positions, specifically reducing its footprint in Erbil and northern Iraq.
The Shift to Jordan
As the troops depart Iraqi soil, the mission is not ending but rather relocating. Reports indicate that remaining US forces are moving to Jordan, which will serve as the new headquarters for the ongoing anti-ISIS mission. The Pentagon has emphasized that operating from Jordan will allow forces to effectively target militants who pose a threat to US personnel and regional interests.
Iraq's Sovereignty and Internal Challenges
For Iraq, the departure of US troops is a landmark event. The nation is expected to celebrate the exit with four "Sovereignty Days," a series of national holidays dedicated to marking the end of the US military presence. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has framed this withdrawal as a crucial step toward strengthening state authority and ensuring the government remains the ultimate decision-maker in matters of war and peace.
However, the transition comes with significant domestic challenges. Iraq is currently grappling with the influence of armed groups that operate outside of full state control. Specifically, Iranian-backed militias have resisted calls to disarm. While the government seeks to assert total control, the deadline for the disarmament of these groups has been extended until June 2027.
A Changing Regional Landscape
The withdrawal occurs against a backdrop of a shifting security environment, shaped largely by the ongoing tensions and the history of conflict between the US and Iran. Iraq maintains deep-seated political, cultural, and military connections with Iran, including support for various Shiite militia groups within its borders. As the US completes this second major military exit from Iraq, the region faces a new era of security dynamics and internal political maneuvering.