What's happened
U.S. forces have fully withdrawn from Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq, ending a phased pullout agreed in 2024. Iraqi forces now control the base, with regional developments in Syria prompting the final departure. The coalition's combat mission has concluded, but U.S. presence remains in northern Iraq and Syria.
What's behind the headline?
The full withdrawal signifies a strategic shift in U.S.-Iraq relations, emphasizing Iraqi sovereignty and regional stability. The departure of U.S. forces may reduce external influence but could also challenge Iraq's capacity to prevent ISIS resurgence. The regional tensions in Syria, which influenced the delay, highlight ongoing instability that could impact Iraq's security landscape. The Iraqi military's assumption of full control at Ain al-Asad demonstrates increased national capacity, yet the threat of ISIS sleeper cells persists in mountainous and border regions. This move will likely influence future U.S. military posture in the region, possibly leading to more bilateral security arrangements rather than coalition-led operations. The decision underscores a broader regional realignment, with Iraq seeking to balance external influences while managing internal security challenges.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that all coalition advisers have left Iraqi bases, with Iraqi forces now fully in control, citing regional tensions in Syria as a key factor. The Times of Israel confirms the completion of the withdrawal, emphasizing the transition to bilateral security relations and Iraq's increased sovereignty. Arab News highlights the original 2024 agreement and the regional developments that delayed the full pullout, noting the Iraqi military's full assumption of control over Ain al-Asad. AP News echoes these points, stressing the importance of regional stability and the ongoing threat of ISIS sleeper cells, which remain active in border and mountainous areas. These sources collectively portray a coordinated effort by the U.S. and Iraq to redefine their security partnership amid regional tensions, with a focus on Iraqi sovereignty and regional stability.
How we got here
In 2024, Washington and Baghdad agreed to wind down the U.S.-led coalition fighting ISIS in Iraq, with a phased withdrawal planned for 2025-2026. The initial plan was for a full pullout from Ain al-Asad by September 2025, but regional tensions in Syria led to maintaining a small advisory presence. Recent developments prompted the complete departure, with Iraqi forces now responsible for security and counter-ISIS efforts.
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