US military withdraws all troops from Iraq after 12 years

The U.S. military has completed the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, ending a 12-year mission against the Islamic State group.

According to The Washington Times, U.S. troops departed an air base in Irbil, northern Iraq, under an agreement reached between Washington and Baghdad in 2024.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said troops and equipment completed an “orderly departure.”

“This milestone reflects the success of a 12-year campaign that defeated ISIS as an organized military threat in Iraq and across the region,” Parnell said.

He added that U.S. forces would continue providing targeted training and intelligence support to Iraqi partners.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi described the withdrawal as a “new phase” centred on Iraqi sovereignty and stronger institutions.

AAmerican forces invaded Iraq in 2003 and withdrew in 2011 before returning in 2014 at Baghdad’s request to combat ISIS. The withdrawal has been welcomed by Iran-backed groups, while Kurdish officials have expressed concerns about regional security after American forces leave.