US troops prepare to leave Iraqi Kurdistan by September 30

Iraq's government has announced that US-led military forces are set to withdraw from the Kurdistan Region by September 30. This transition aligns with a broader agreement to shift the coalition's mission from combat and advisory roles to bilateral security cooperation. The coalition has been utilizing several key sites in the Kurdistan Region for training, logistics, and air operations against ISIS remnants.

Government spokesman Haider Al Aboodi confirmed ongoing coordination with the international coalition and stated that work is progressing smoothly towards the September 30 deadline. With just seven weeks remaining, Al Aboodi emphasized that planning is being carried out at the highest level and coordination teams from both sides are meeting regularly to ensure a seamless transfer of responsibility to Iraqi forces.

While the exact number of sites and personnel involved in the withdrawal remains undisclosed, the process is confirmed to be on track. Since 2014, the international coalition has been active in both federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to assist Iraqi forces in the fight against ISIS. The government of Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi sees the transition as a move towards full Iraqi sovereignty over security matters, although bilateral agreements will still facilitate co-operation in areas such as air defence, intelligence, and counter-terrorism.

Security analysts highlight the significance of the handover, noting that it addresses parliamentary demands for a clear timeline and transfers operational responsibility for coalition sites to Iraqi forces. Although the Pentagon has not released a detailed withdrawal plan, US officials have indicated that any transition would be coordinated with the Iraqi government to maintain the fight against ISIS without gaps in security.