International Desk

The United States is beginning the withdrawal of its troops from Iraq after 23 years, with the final phase of the pullout expected to begin from US bases across the country on Wednesday (September 30).

The office of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said in August that all US troops would be withdrawn from Iraq by September 30. It also said there would be no foreign troops in the country from October 1.

According to a statement from the Iraqi government, the withdrawal is taking place following the conclusion of the military operations of the international coalition against the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq. The timeline for the withdrawal was set after a meeting between the Iraqi prime minister and Gen Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM).

However, reports said the decision to withdraw US troops had been finalised in 2024. The decision, made during the administration of former US President Joe Biden, is now being implemented by the administration of President Donald Trump.

Operation Began in 2003

The United States and its allies launched a military operation in Iraq on March 19, 2003, with the aim of overthrowing the government of then-President Saddam Hussein. Saddam was captured in December that year and was later sentenced to death. He was executed on December 30, 2006.

Although the process of withdrawing US troops began after the fall of Saddam’s government, the rise of the Islamic State prolonged the US military presence in Iraq. Washington continued deploying troops to support Iraqi forces in their fight against IS.

The number of US troops in Iraq had gradually been reduced since 2020. About 4,500 American troops were stationed at various bases until recently. Their final contingent is now leaving Iraq.

Security Concerns

During its prolonged presence in Iraq, the United States provided training and military assistance to the country’s security forces. US forces also funded and conducted various training programmes aimed at strengthening the capabilities of Iraqi security agencies.

While many Iraqis have welcomed the withdrawal of US troops, concerns remain over security. Some fear that armed groups could become active again following the departure of foreign forces, potentially posing new challenges to Iraqi security forces.

Jasim al-Bahadli, an adviser to the Iraqi security forces and a security analyst, said any security vacuum could pose risks. He said lessons should be drawn from Iraq’s experience over the past two decades.