U.S. Forces Fully Withdraw from Iraq Base

a { color: #880000 !important; background: #ffeeee !important; } Latest News from NourishThe Nourish Mission (formerly OneSub)Get answers to today's big questionsU.S. Completes Iraq Base Withdrawaldefense > militaryAll U.S. forces have left Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq, following a 2024 agreement with Baghdad. The withdrawal was delayed due to regional developments in Syria, but Iraqi control has now fully resumed. U.S. presence in northern Iraq and Syria remains unchanged.

What's happened

All U.S. forces have left Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq, following a 2024 agreement with Baghdad. The withdrawal was delayed due to regional developments in Syria, but Iraqi control has now fully resumed. U.S. presence in northern Iraq and Syria remains unchanged.

What's behind the headline?

The U.S. withdrawal from Ain al-Asad marks a significant shift in Iraq’s security landscape. While the formal departure of U.S. forces may bolster Iraqi sovereignty and efforts to disarm non-state armed groups, it also raises questions about regional stability. The delay caused by Syria's developments indicates ongoing regional complexities that influence U.S. military strategy. The Iraqi government’s assumption of full control suggests a move toward greater independence, but the retention of U.S. advisory support elsewhere indicates a nuanced, ongoing security relationship. This withdrawal will likely intensify discussions on Iraq’s future security arrangements and regional influence, with implications for U.S. policy in the Middle East.

What the papers say

The Independent reports that the full U.S. withdrawal from Ain al-Asad was completed following regional developments in Syria, which delayed the original September 2025 timeline. The article emphasizes the Iraqi Army's assumption of control and the strategic importance of the base. AP News and Reuters corroborate this, noting the initial agreement in 2024 and the logistical challenges faced. Reuters highlights the historical targeting of Ain al-Asad by Iran-backed groups and the broader regional tensions influencing the withdrawal. All sources agree that U.S. forces remain in northern Iraq and Syria, but the departure from Ain al-Asad signifies a key milestone in Iraq’s sovereignty and U.S. military strategy.

How we got here

In 2024, Washington and Baghdad agreed to wind down the U.S.-led coalition fighting ISIS in Iraq, aiming for a full withdrawal by September 2025. The plan was affected by regional tensions, especially in Syria, leading to a temporary retention of a small U.S. advisory unit. The initial timeline was for complete departure by the end of 2026, but recent developments accelerated the process, culminating in the full exit from Ain al-Asad.