As US ends operations in Iraq, Baghdad celebrates its withdrawal and renewed sovereignty - analysis

On September 30, US forces that were part of the US-led Coalition against ISIS completed their withdrawal from Iraq, marking the end of their 23-year presence in the country. Iraqi officials have celebrated this departure, referring to it as a day of "sovereignty" and a new era of independence for Iraq. However, the US had already returned to Iraq in 2014 following their withdrawal in 2011, in response to Baghdad's request for assistance.

Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that "the move from Iraq is part of a planned transition to a US-Iraq bilateral defense relationship," with Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) remaining operational in Jordan to continue the counter-ISIS mission in Syria. Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have been attacking US bases since 2019, leading to the departure of US forces from the region.

The US had initially helped Iraq combat ISIS, but many questioned why they stayed so long. President Donald Trump had wanted American troops out of Syria in 2018 and later considered moving troops from Syria to Iraq for strategic purposes. However, the US remained in Syria despite multiple attempts to leave in 2019.

In the aftermath of the withdrawal, US Central Command hailed the service members, diplomats, and civilians who played a role in the mission, stating that ISIS no longer poses a threat to Iraq's national security. The Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi, emphasized that the end of the Coalition mission does not signify the end of their fight against terrorism. Baghdad has expressed a desire to rein in the Iranian-backed militias, which continue to threaten the country.