US and coalition forces complete withdrawal from Iraq

US military withdrawal Iraq security Iranian influence Islamic State resurgence NATO Mission Iraq

US and international coalition forces are completing their withdrawal from Iraq by the September 30 deadline, marking the end of a military presence spanning over two decades. The withdrawal, initially negotiated during the Biden administration and implemented by the Trump administration, follows the 2003 invasion that led to the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. Approximately 4,500 US service members have died during this period.

Italian forces have also concluded their twelve-year mission in the country, though Italy intends to maintain cooperation through training and expertise sharing. While the NATO Mission Iraq will continue to operate from other locations, such as Naples, the physical presence of Italian troops on Iraqi soil has ended.

Regional analysts and security experts have raised concerns regarding the resulting security landscape. There are warnings that the departure of US forces removes a strategic counterweight to Iranian influence, potentially allowing pro-Iranian armed groups to increase their political and security dominance. Additionally, officials have cautioned that a security vacuum could provide an opportunity for the Islamic State to attempt a resurgence. In response, Iraqi security forces are expected to assume full responsibility for national security, with ongoing cooperation between Baghdad and Washington focused on intelligence sharing and weapons programs.

Entities

Ali al-Saidi · Ali al-Zaydi · Fouad Hussein · Guido Crosetto · ISIS · Iran · Iraq · Islamic State · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 10 SOURCES] US combat and logistical support forces have completely withdrawn from Iraq. ronahi.net · pnn.ps · tribuneonlineng.com · iskra.gr · gradskeinfo.rs · +5 more
[● 2 SOURCES] Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein set June next year as the deadline to complete the disarmament of militias. ronahi.net · tribuneonlineng.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Iraq will observe four days of public holidays starting Wednesday to celebrate Independence Day. pnn.ps · tribuneonlineng.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Prime Minister Ali al-Saidi postponed the integration of Iran-aligned militias into state security until June next year. pnn.ps · tribuneonlineng.com · www.tt.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Approximately 2,500 US troops were stationed in Iraq in recent years. pnn.ps · tribuneonlineng.com · www.tt.com · iskra.gr
[● 14 SOURCES] The US withdrawal could increase Iranian influence and allow Islamic State to potentially rebuild. www.dagens.com · dagens.de · www.businessdaily.gr · srnnews.com · moderndiplomacy.eu · +9 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] The United States is following the agreed-upon timeline to complete the withdrawal by September 30.
[● 2 SOURCES] The US-led coalition headquarters will close on September 30, leaving no foreign military bases in Iraq. www.indyturk.com · www.karar.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Security cooperation between Baghdad and Washington will continue through intelligence sharing and weapons programs. www.indyturk.com · www.karar.com · ronahi.net · www.benguturk.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] October 1 marks a new era for Iraq as no foreign military presence remains.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The withdrawal of US forces may create a security vacuum similar to the one that allowed ISIS to rise after 2011. www.indyturk.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Iraqi security forces and Peshmerga forces are deemed capable of maintaining security against ISIS without foreign combat troops.