The United States has announced an agreement with Iraq to conclude its military mission against the Islamic State by 2025, involving the withdrawal of U.S. troops from longstanding bases while retaining some presence for support operations. This decision occurs amidst rising tensions in the Middle East and ongoing calls for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraqi soil.
On Friday, the United States announced a pivotal agreement with the Iraqi government to conclude its military mission in Iraq, which has involved an American-led coalition combating the Islamic State group over nearly two decades. U.S. troops, currently numbering around 2,500, will begin withdrawing from several long-occupied bases, although the Biden administration has not confirmed the specifics regarding the total number of troops that will remain in the country. Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh commented on the anticipated changes, stating, “I think it’s fair to say that, you know, our footprint is going to be changing within the country,” yet refraining from elaborating on the details. This announcement occurs amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly related to the conflicts involving Israel and Iranian-backed militant factions such as Hezbollah and Hamas, which have been targeting U.S. facilities in Iraq more aggressively in recent months. Formal discussions about scaling back U.S. military presence have been ongoing for months, as Iraqi officials have repeatedly called for the withdrawal of coalition forces. The agreement will facilitate a phased transition of forces, starting this month, leading to the termination of the coalition mission against ISIS by September 2025. Following the U.S. midterm elections, troops will evacuate from Ain al-Asad airbase and Baghdad International Airport, transitioning to Hareer base in the Kurdish north of Iraq. The second phase of this transition will continue operations aimed at supporting counter-ISIS efforts in Syria through 2026. Discussions regarding the future of the U.S. military presence in Iraq suggest a shift toward a bilateral security relationship, though no specifics on troop numbers were provided. Some troops may remain at Hareer base post-2026 at the request of the Kurdistan regional government. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani expressed optimism about the agreement, emphasizing the capability of Iraqi security forces in combatting ISIS. Meanwhile, political pressures persist as Sudani’s administration grapples with balancing relations with both the United States and Iran. In light of recent events, Qais Khazali, leader of an Iran-backed militia, commended the government’s stance towards the expulsion of international coalition forces. This decision marks the third official transition of U.S. military involvement in Iraq since the initial invasion in March 2003, which was justified by claims of Saddam Hussein’s purported weapons of mass destruction—claims that were ultimately found to be unsubstantiated. Following the leadership of the Obama administration, U.S. forces withdrew in 2011, and upon the resurgence of ISIS in 2014, American troops returned to assist Iraq in regaining stability. As coalition operations concluded in 2021, a limited U.S. military presence has remained to conduct joint operations and counteract Iranian influence.
The U.S. military has been engaged in Iraq since March 2003, following an invasion that was linked to claims of weapons of mass destruction held by then-President Saddam Hussein. The troops peaked in number during the counterinsurgency efforts around 2007, followed by a series of draws and returns influenced by rising threats such as the Islamic State. The current U.S. force structure aims to maintain regional stability and counter Iranian-backed militia activities, which have posed threats to both American personnel and broader geopolitical stability.
The recent U.S.-Iraq agreement to reduce military presence and shift to a more bilateral security relationship illuminates an evolving geopolitical landscape in the region. This strategic withdrawal underscores ongoing tensions, particularly relating to Iranian influence, while reaffirming the role of Iraqi security forces in stabilizing their nation. The announcement marks a significant point in U.S. foreign policy as it balances regional relations and security commitments amidst persistent threats from militant groups.
Original Source: apnews.com
