US forces are set to withdraw from their remaining military bases in Iraq on Wednesday, marking the end of a deployment that began in 2014 to combat 'Islamic State' extremists. The Pentagon stated, "Today, the United States and our Coalition partners formally concluded Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, consistent with the September 2024 US-Iraq joint statement and US national interests." The Pentagon also mentioned that it will continue to provide targeted training and intelligence support to Iraqi partners.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell noted, "This milestone reflects the success of a 12-year campaign that defeated ISIS as an organized military threat in Iraq and across the region. It also marks a transition from a wartime coalition mission to an Iraqi-led security effort supported by a more normal bilateral security relationship."
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced that October 1, the day after the coalition's departure, will be celebrated as Sovereignty Day, describing it as "a national occasion that affirms the completion of Iraq's path toward sovereignty and consolidates the presence of the state and its institutions," according to the heads of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
US troops were deployed to Iraq and Syria in 2014 to address the threat posed by the 'Islamic State' (IS) terrorist group, which had taken control of significant territories in both countries. IS was defeated in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019, but coalition forces remained to combat the group's remnants.
The complete withdrawal of US troops from Iraq occurs 23 years after US-led forces removed Saddam Hussein from power, which led to significant upheaval and the eventual rise of IS. Iran and its allies have celebrated the withdrawal, viewing it as a victory for their