U.S. military forces have completed their withdrawal from Iraq, marking the end of a 12-year combat mission in the country. The departure from Erbil Air Base follows a phased reduction of troops under Operation Inherent Resolve, shifting toward a new defense partnership with Iraq. The move reflects a strategic pivot as the U.S. transitions from direct military operations to a bilateral security cooperation framework. The announcement underscores a significant shift in America’s regional military presence.
U.S. Central Command (Centcom) on Wednesday announced the departure of U.S. forces from Iraq, ending its 12-year military mission. Centcom stated that all U.S. forces and equipment departed Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq as part of a yearlong wind-down of Operation Inherent Resolve and a transition "to a U.S.-Iraq bilateral defense relationship." This will...
