Iraq has reached a significant milestone as U.S. troops officially exited the country, marking the conclusion of a military presence that began in 2003. This pivotal moment transfers the primary responsibility for Iraq’s security back to its own forces, signifying a new chapter in the nation’s contemporary history.
End of Operation Inherent Resolve
The U.S. Central Command announced that American personnel and equipment have departed from Erbil Air Base, the last major outpost for the coalition in Iraq. This withdrawal wrapped up Operation Inherent Resolve, which aimed to combat ISIS and stabilize the region. The decade-spanning military involvement has shaped Iraq’s political landscape and security dynamics, with a significant U.S. presence since the initial invasion that led to Saddam Hussein’s ousting.
Since the 2003 intervention, a whole generation of Iraqis has grown up knowing a landscape heavily influenced by U.S. military activities. Following the initial invasion, American soldiers remained in Iraq as the country grappled with insurgency and sectarian strife. While most troops had pulled out by 2011, their return in 2014 was necessitated by ISIS’s rapid territorial expansion. The resurgence marked the start of a renewed mission, ultimately leading to the establishment of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Iraqi Forces Take Charge
Iraq celebrated a military victory over ISIS in 2017, transitioning from intense combat to advisory roles for coalition forces. The withdrawal that began last year unfolded as part of an agreement between Baghdad and Washington, resulting in the complete exit from Erbil. CENTCOM highlighted that the base had served as a critical hub for operations against ISIS, with around 1,500 American and coalition personnel assisting in various capacities during the mission’s concluding phases.
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper remarked on the strengthening of Iraqi security forces, asserting that they now possess the necessary expertise and leadership to counter potential threats independently. This shift not only represents the culmination of the anti-ISIS campaign but also the broader goal of Iraq taking full control over its national security framework, especially as it seeks to establish a stable state authority.
Future of Iraq-U.S. Relations
Despite the withdrawal, U.S.-Iraq cooperation is far from over. Both nations are committed to a bilateral military partnership, focusing on training and intelligence-sharing under new frameworks. Meanwhile, Operation Inherent Resolve continues to operate from Jordan, with efforts still directed at countering insurgent activities in neighboring Syria.
The path ahead is fraught with challenges. While ISIS no longer controls significant territory in Iraq, remnants, sleeper cells, and armed groups pose ongoing threats. The Iraqi government faces the hefty task of maintaining peace and security in the absence of reliable coalition support. At the same time, Iraq is trying to navigate complex international alliances, seeking economic and diplomatic relations that are less reliant on foreign military interventions.
September 30 stands as a symbolic threshold for Iraq: 23 years after the U.S.-led invasion, the nation embarks on a new era devoid of American military oversight—a transformation that could redefine its future. The journey ahead will be critical as Iraq consolidates its identity, striving for stability and sovereignty amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape.