US leaving Iraq after 23 years, stoking fear of vacuum emboldening ISIS, militias

The United States has officially withdrawn its troops from Iraq, marking a significant milestone in the country's transition to bilateral relations with coalition members. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi's advisor on security affairs, Qassim Al Araji, stated that the end of the US-led coalition mission does not signify the end of security cooperation but rather a transition to more durable bilateral ties.

The withdrawal, which began in September 2025, completes a series of negotiations and understandings that started in mid-2021. Under a 2024 agreement, American forces left bases in Baghdad and western Iraq, followed by their departure from the Kurdistan region. Iraqi security forces now claim victory over ISIS, with the support of international coalition and brotherly and friendly countries.

However, hardline factions, particularly those backed by Iran, remain resistant to disarming, demanding foreign troops leave before they disarm. This resistance has delayed the deadline for turning in weapons from September 30 to June 30, 2027. The withdrawal has empowered these militias, who are now openly threatening retaliation against any foreign presence in Iraq.