Iraq celebrates as last US troops withdraw from country
Iraq celebrates as last US troops withdraw from country Submitted by MEE staff on Wed, 09/30/2026 - 17:10 Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi takes a victory lap with the withdrawal of US troops from Kurdistan region, but with little success in reining in militias A member of the Iraqi security forces flashes the victory sign during a military parade marking the withdrawal of the US-led coalition…
Iraq celebrated the withdrawal of the last U.S. troops from its territory, marking a significant milestone in the nation's sovereignty and independence. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi hailed the occasion, declaring 1 October as "Sovereignty Day" to commemorate Iraq's path towards self-governance. The U.S. officially concluded its mission in Iraq, known as Operation Inherent Resolve, in September 2024, consistent with a 2024 joint statement between the two countries and U.S. national interests.
The U.S. had initially occupied Iraq in 2003 following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, returning in 2014 to combat the Islamic State (IS) militant group and eventually withdrawing troops in 2011. In 2025, U.S. forces relocated from bases in Anbar Province and Baghdad International Airport to Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region, signaling a transition from a wartime coalition mission to an Iraqi-led security effort supported by a bilateral security relationship.
Iraqi leaders emphasized the importance of national sovereignty and the strength of the country's institutions, security forces, and decision-making.
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