US troops exit Iraq after two decades

The United States is set to withdraw its remaining forces from Iraq, ending a military presence spanning more than two decades and raising concerns over Iran’s growing influence and the potential resurgence of Islamic State (IS).

The withdrawal, agreed upon by Washington and Baghdad in 2024 under then-President Joe Biden, is being completed under President Donald Trump’s administration. 

Iran and its allied armed groups have welcomed the move as a victory, while Iraqi security analysts warn it could create a security vacuum.

Jasim al-Bahadli, an Iraqi security analyst, told Reuters that the departure removes a US military presence that had acted as a counterweight to Tehran’s influence. He warned that Iran-backed factions could use the withdrawal to expand their role in Iraq’s security and political decision-making.

A commander from the Islamic Resistance in Iraq described the development as a historic victory for resistance groups, while tribal leader Abdulrahman al-Zobaie cautioned that Iraq was not fully prepared to manage its security independently.

The United States invaded Iraq in 2003 and withdrew its forces in 2011. American troops returned in 2014 to support Iraqi forces fighting Islamic State, which once controlled large parts of the country. 

Security officials have also warned that the withdrawal could weaken intelligence-sharing, logistical assistance and drone surveillance used to track IS sleeper cells.

Kurdish commander Sirwan Barzani told Reuters that movements by suspected IS cells had increased following announcements of the coalition’s departure. 

Iraqi security officials also reported uncovering an alleged plot involving planned suicide attacks.