US forces are set to leave their remaining bases in Iraq by Wednesday, ending more than two decades of American military involvement in a country where about 4,500 US service members have died.
The withdrawal, agreed in 2024, is being completed as Washington remains engaged in a wider conflict with Iran. Iran and its allied armed groups have portrayed the departure as a victory, while Iraqi security officials and analysts have warned that the move could increase Tehran’s influence and create new security challenges.
The United States invaded Iraq in 2003 to overthrow Saddam Hussein and withdrew its forces in 2011. American troops returned in 2014 as part of the international campaign against Islamic State, helping Iraqi forces defeat the group’s territorial control by 2017.
Iraqi forces are expected to assume greater responsibility for national security following the withdrawal. However, some officials fear the loss of American intelligence, logistical support and drone capabilities could create opportunities for Islamic State sleeper cells to regroup.
Iraq has maintained close relations with both Washington and Tehran, but the end of the US military presence could alter that delicate balance as regional tensions remain high.
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