Pentagon says it has formally completed withdrawal of US troops from Iraq

What Happened

The Pentagon announced it has formally completed the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq and concluded Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, two years after the withdrawal was agreed and 12 years after the mission to fight the Islamic State began. The Pentagon said the departure 'marks the successful conclusion of the military mission that defeated Isis in Iraq' and that it will continue to provide training and intelligence support to Iraq to prevent ISIS from reconstituting. The Pentagon stated primary responsibility for remaining security challenges, including ISIS remnants and Iran-aligned militias, now rests with the government of Iraq. On Wednesday at a White House event for Hispanic Heritage Month, President Donald Trump called the withdrawal 'a great day for America,' described it as a victory for Iraq and a decisive victory over ISIS, claimed credit for defeating ISIS ('I decimated them and took them out in my first administration'), and said US forces took every piece of equipment ('I want every screw taken'). Trump contrasted the exit with Afghanistan and praised Iraq’s new prime minister, whom he said he endorsed during the Iraqi election campaign. Iran and its allies celebrated the departure as a victory, while Iraqi security experts, including Jassim al-Bahadli and retired Iraqi army general Mohammed al-Juburi, voiced concerns that Iraqi security forces may not be prepared for a security vacuum.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The formal end of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq closes a 12-year US coalition military mission and shifts the security burden entirely to the Iraqi government at a time when ISIS remnants and Iran-aligned militias remain active. The withdrawal could create a vacuum that ISIS or Iranian-backed groups exploit, and it signals a reduced US military footprint in a region where Iranian influence is significant. The retention of training and intelligence support, however, means the US retains a non-combat role, leaving the extent of future US involvement ambiguous.

Watch For

Monitor whether the Iraqi government announces a specific security plan for the post-withdrawal phase, as retired army general Mohammed al-Juburi questioned. Track any immediate ISIS attacks in former coalition areas and statements or actions by Iran-aligned militias named by the Pentagon. Also watch for details on the continued US training and intelligence support, including where it will be based and under what legal authority, and any congressional reaction to the withdrawal.