US Troops Set to Withdraw From Iraq After 12-Year Campaign Against ISIS, Reports Say

The United States is expected to complete the withdrawal of its remaining military personnel from Iraq on Wednesday, September 30, bringing an end to its latest 12-year military presence in the country, according to reports. The withdrawal is part of an agreement reached between Washington and Baghdad during the Biden administration in 2024. The plan established September 30 as the deadline for the conclusion of the US military mission, and the Trump administration has continued with its implementation.

The latest departure marks the second time the United States has withdrawn its forces from Iraq. American troops initially left the country in 2011, eight years after the US-led invasion in 2003. However, US forces returned three years later after the Islamic State, also known as ISIS, captured significant territory across Iraq and Syria and advanced toward Baghdad.

Although the US-led international coalition succeeded in defeating ISIS as a territorial force by 2019, American troops remained in Iraq to support efforts aimed at preventing the militant organisation from rebuilding its capabilities. In the months leading up to the withdrawal, US forces gradually consolidated their positions and scaled back their presence in northern Iraq, including at Erbil. Reports indicate that only a limited number of American personnel remained in the region as the September 30 deadline approached.

The withdrawal is taking place against a backdrop of changing security dynamics across the Middle East. Iraq maintains close political, cultural and military ties with neighbouring Iran, which has also supported several Shiite armed groups operating inside Iraq. According to the Washington Post, some of the US personnel leaving Iraq are being relocated to Jordan. The US-led anti-ISIS mission will continue to operate from there, with the Pentagon maintaining that forces based in Jordan can respond to threats against American personnel and interests.

The newspaper reported that roughly 1,500 US troops and personnel from the anti-ISIS coalition had remained in Iraq as military positions were consolidated ahead of the withdrawal deadline. The departure also comes as the Iraqi government faces the broader challenge of bringing armed groups operating outside full state control under greater government authority. Reports have said Iranian-backed militias have opposed demands to surrender their weapons, with the deadline for their disarmament reportedly extended until June 2027.

Iraq is also preparing to mark the end of the US military presence with four days of national observances described as “Sovereignty Days”. The events are intended to highlight the country's return to full control over its security affairs. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has connected the US withdrawal with broader efforts to strengthen state authority and establish government control over armed groups. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, he said his administration was working to ensure that the Iraqi state remains the final authority on matters concerning peace and war. With the expected completion of the withdrawal on Wednesday, the United States will once again conclude its military presence in Iraq, while continuing its regional efforts against the remnants of ISIS from outside the country.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.