The United States military completed the withdrawal of all remaining American troops and equipment from Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq on September 30, 2026. This officially concluded its 12-year Operation Inherent Resolve mission against ISIS in the country. United States Central Command announced that the departure closes the Iraqi chapter of the coalition mission initiated in 2014. It officially transferred primary security responsibilities to Iraqi national forces while relocating counter-ISIS task force headquarters to Jordan.
The departure completes a gradual transition process agreed upon by Washington and Baghdad in 2024. This followed an earlier drawdown from federal Iraq that left approximately 1,500 personnel stationed at the Erbil operational hub.
“Job well done to the tens of thousands of American service members, diplomats, and civilian personnel who answered the call in Iraq,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander.
Transition to Iraqi-Led Security
Adm. Cooper stated that ISIS no longer presents a systemic threat to Iraq’s national security. He noted that Iraqi security forces, including the Peshmerga, now possess the operational independence to manage homeland threats unilaterally. “As we step back and hand full primary responsibility for Iraq’s security to the Government of Iraq and the brave people of Iraq, U.S. and Coalition forces stationed across the region will remain ready to respond to any ISIS threats that arise,” said Adm. Cooper.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell echoed these sentiments in a formal statement. He noted that the milestone reflects the success of a 12-year campaign that defeated ISIS as an organized military threat. The transition moves the relationship from a wartime coalition mission to an Iraqi-led security effort supported by a normal bilateral security framework.
Historical Context of US Involvement
American troops originally invaded Iraq in 2003 to topple Saddam Hussein’s government, eventually departing in 2011. However, three years later in 2014, Iraqi authorities invited a smaller U.S.-led mission to combat the Islamic State group. This occurred after extremists overran large swaths of territory, including Mosul and Tikrit.
During the 12-year span of Operation Inherent Resolve, 123 U.S. troops were killed and 499 were wounded. Coalition estimates indicate that more than 80,000 ISIS members were killed during the campaign.
Regional Implications and Domestic Challenges
While Baghdad has touted the end of the U.S. mission as a sign of increasing state strength and sovereignty, the exit introduces fresh regional complications. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi presided over the handover ceremony, describing the withdrawal as the beginning of a new phase defined by institutional strength and independent governance.
However, officials in Iraq’s Kurdish region have expressed anxiety regarding the departure. They are particularly concerned about the removal of U.S. air defense systems that provided a shield against recent drone and ballistic-missile attacks linked to regional conflicts. Questions also remain regarding the future timeline for disarming powerful Iran-backed militias operating within Iraq, with deadlines extended into June 2027 as Baghdad navigates delicate political negotiations.
