The US military says its withdrawal of troops from Iraq is complete
Summary
The U.S. military says it has completed the withdrawal of all American troops from Iraq, ending a 12-year mission against the Islamic State group. Baghdad called the move a sign of growing sovereignty, while Kurdish officials voiced concern about the loss of U.S. air defenses and Iran-backed factions celebrated the departure.
Key Points
- The U.S. military says all American troops have left Iraq after an orderly departure from an air base in Irbil.
- Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi described the withdrawal as the start of a new phase centered on sovereignty and stronger institutions.
- Kurdish officials warned that the withdrawal leaves the region vulnerable after more than 1,000 drone and missile attacks during the recent conflict.
- Iran-allied groups hailed the exit as the expulsion of occupation forces and warned the Iraqi government against following U.S. plans.
