WASHINGTON: The US has announced an agreement with Iraq to end the military mission of the American-led coalition fighting the Islamic State (ISIS) by 2025, with troops set to leave some bases they have occupied for the past two decades.
However, the Biden administration has not disclosed the exact number of troops that will remain, refusing to confirm whether it signals a complete withdrawal.
Pentagon deputy press secretary, Sabrina Singh, remarked, “I think it’s fair to say that, you know, our footprint is going to be changing within the country,” while refraining from providing further specifics, according to a report by Associated Press.
The announcement comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, including conflicts between Israel and Iranian-backed militant groups, Hezbollah and Hamas. US bases in Iraq have also been targeted by Iran-backed militias. Attacks have intensified following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war last year.
The agreement outlines a two-phase transition that started this month. By 2025, US forces will leave bases like Ain al-Asad and Baghdad International Airport, moving to Hareer base in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. Some troops may remain there even beyond 2026, Iraqi officials said.
Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani stated, “We have taken an important step in resolving the issue of the international coalition to fight ISIS,” affirming confidence in Iraq’s security forces. However, the continued presence of US troops remains politically sensitive, with increased influence from Iran in Iraq.
This marks the third time in 20 years the US has transitioned its military role in Iraq. After the 2003 invasion to overthrow Saddam Hussein, the US military presence reached 170,000 troops at its peak before beginning a gradual drawdown. In 2014, US forces returned to combat the rise of ISIS.
Although coalition military operations officially ended in 2021, around 2,500 US troops remain to support Iraqi forces and counter Iranian-backed militias.
Agencies

Agencies