President Joe Biden formally declared the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq complete, marking the end of what the administration characterized as a prolonged and costly military engagement. Speaking at a White House event on Wednesday celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Biden described the drawdown as a decisive step toward concluding America’s long-standing involvement in the region.

The president reflected on the U.S.-led invasion in 2003 that toppled Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, calling it “a quagmire” that lasted many years and exacted a heavy toll. Approximately 4,500 American service members lost their lives during the subsequent conflict, which involved sustained counterinsurgency efforts and political instability.

“This day is a victory for the United States. It’s also a victory for Iraq and a decisive blow to ISIS,” Biden said, praising Iraq’s current leadership, including Prime Minister Ali al-Zadi. He noted the orderly withdrawal of coalition forces and equipment from Erbil Air Base as a symbolic conclusion to the mission, describing the effort as “a very expensive excursion into hell.”

In his remarks, Biden contrasted the Iraq war with the administration’s current strategic challenges, including ongoing conflicts involving Iran and Venezuela. He highlighted that while the Iraq campaign spanned more than two decades, recent military operations against Iran have lasted six months with fewer casualties, and a conflict with Venezuela was resolved in a matter of hours.

The withdrawal follows years of shifting U.S. policy aimed at reducing direct military involvement in Iraq while continuing to support the country’s security forces in combating the remnants of ISIS and maintaining regional stability. Baghdad’s government has welcomed the transition, emphasizing its desire to assert greater sovereignty and rebuild after years of conflict.

As U.S. forces conclude their presence in Iraq, the administration faces the challenge of balancing continued diplomatic and intelligence efforts in the region alongside emerging security concerns in neighboring countries. The departure marks a significant moment in U.S. foreign policy, closing a chapter marked by deep controversies over the cost and efficacy of prolonged military interventions in the Middle East.