U.S. departs Iraq, where militias’ future is unclear

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 1, 2026

U.S. forces completed their withdrawal from Iraq on Wednesday, ending a military presence that began with the 2003 invasion and included efforts to defeat the Islamic State. The exit leaves Iraq facing ongoing challenges from powerful Iranian-backed militias and political instability as it attempts to maintain sovereignty and security.

U.S. forces formally withdrew from Iraq on Wednesday, concluding a military presence that spanned more than two decades and profoundly shaped the country’s recent history. The initial U.S. intervention began in 2003 with the overthrow of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and was followed by a prolonged occupation marked by sectarian violence, insurgency, and widespread instability. The first U.S. withdrawal occurred in 2011, ending the occupation but leaving Iraq vulnerable to new threats.

The rise of the Islamic State (IS) in 2014 saw jihadi fighters rapidly capture large portions of Iraqi territory, including vast amounts of U.S.-supplied military equipment. The Iraqi army’s collapse in the face of IS advances prompted the return of American forces at the request of the Iraqi government. Leading a multinational coalition through Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S. helped Iraqi and allied forces dismantle the Islamic State’s self-declared caliphate by 2017. Since then, Iraqi troops have continued counterinsurgency operations against remaining IS cells.

The most recent phase of withdrawal began in October 2025, with approximately 2,500 U.S. and allied personnel stationed in Iraq gradually leaving. By Wednesday, only a few hundred U.S. service members remained at the Irbil air base in northern Iraq, a former operational center for the coalition. Their departure officially marked the end of America’s military role in Iraq.

President Donald Trump described the exit as “a victory for the United States, a victory for Iraq,” while acknowledging the significant human and financial costs incurred during the nearly quarter-century of involvement. Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, praised the service members and civilian personnel who had contributed to the missions, asserting that their efforts had improved conditions for the Iraqi people.

However, the withdrawal leaves unresolved challenges, particularly the future role and influence of militias within Iraq. Many of these armed groups receive backing from Iran and maintain substantial power within the country. Trump and other U.S. officials have urged the Iraqi government to limit Iranian-backed militia activity and pursue disarmament efforts, but the path forward remains uncertain.

Iraq now faces the complex task of navigating its sovereignty while balancing pressures from both Washington and Tehran, two influential but often competing allies. The departure of U.S. forces places Iraq at a critical juncture as it seeks stability amid ongoing political tensions, militia activity, and the persistent threat of insurgent violence.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.