{
  "id": 10627495,
  "title": "US withdraws from Iraq leaving strategic vacuum as Iran-backed groups gain ground",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/us-withdraws-from-iraq-leaving-strategic-vacuum-as-iran-backed-groups",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T06:40:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/world/127811/us-withdraws-from-iraq-leaving-strategic-vacuum-as-iran-backed-groups-gain-ground"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "By Wednesday, the United States is set to leave its last bases in Iraq, marking the end of over two decades of military involvement. This withdrawal, agreed upon in 2024, has drawn mixed reactions in Baghdad. Iranian officials and their allies view it as a victory, while Iraqi security officials and analysts express concerns that the US presence has served as a counterweight to Tehran's influence in the region. Pro-Iranian militia groups are likely to portray the withdrawal as a triumph, seeking to increase their control over security and political matters. The Islamic State, meanwhile, may capitalize on any security gaps left by the US departure. Despite popular support for the withdrawal among Iraqis, some officials and community leaders worry that Iraq's security forces are not fully prepared to assume all responsibilities without the coalition.",
  "summary": "UNITED STATES forces are set to leave their last bases in Iraq by Wednesday, ending more than two decades of military involvement and raising concerns in Baghdad that the withdrawal could strengthen Iran-backed groups and create openings for Islamic ...",
  "key_points": [
    "US withdrawal from Iraq ends over 20-year military presence.",
    "Iranian-backed groups anticipate increased influence and control.",
    "Potential security gaps may benefit IS and other militias."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The US withdrawal from Iraq is likely to boost Iranian influence and that of its allies, while potentially creating security gaps for the Islamic State to exploit and challenges for Iraqi forces.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "US forces exit Iraq after two decades, leaving opening for Iran",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/us-forces-exit-iraq-after-two-decades-leaving-opening-for-iran",
        "published": "2026-09-29T06:44:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al-Monitor",
        "title": "US forces exit Iraq after two decades, leaving opening for Iran",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/us-forces-exit-iraq-after-two-decades-leaving-opening-for-iran-10634445",
        "published": "2026-09-29T06:46:28.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}