{
  "id": 11007161,
  "title": "Joy mixed with fear as US forces quit Iraq leaving potential security vacuum",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/joy-mixed-with-fear-as-us-forces-quit-iraq-leaving-potential-security-11007161",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T18:52:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/world/20261001/joy-mixed-with-fear-as-us-forces-quit-iraq-leaving-potential-security-vacuum"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "BAGHDAD — Iraqis rejoiced on Wednesday as U.S. forces departed after more than two decades of conflict, although many expressed concern that the security vacuum could provide a platform for Iran-backed militias or an opportunity for the resurgence of the Islamic State. The final withdrawal of troops, primarily from an airbase in Erbil, in Iraq's Kurdish region, marked the end of the United States' longest war, which inflicted significant devastation and chaos that Iraq has yet to fully recover from.\n\nIran, determined to dismantle U.S. influence in the Middle East, celebrated the U.S. pullout as a victory for its \"axis of resistance\" coalition of allied militias across the region. Iraqi forces celebrated their liberation with parades through the streets of Baghdad and the holy city of Najaf, with residents expressing a mix of relief and apprehension.\n\nAhmed Salah, a 70-year-old resident of Baghdad, expressed his jubilation at the withdrawal, stating that it felt as if he had been reborn. However, Salah also warned that it was now crucial for powerful militia groups to relinquish their weapons and for the government to step in and maintain order.",
  "summary": "BAGHDAD — Iraqis celebrated the departure of U.S. forces after more than two decades of war on Wednesday, though many feared that any security vacuum could increase the power of Iran-backed militias or provide an opening for the return of Islamic State. The withdrawal of the final troops, mainly from an airbase in Erbil in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region, ended the biggest U.S. war of the…",
  "key_points": [
    "Iraqis celebrate U.S. withdrawal after 20-year conflict",
    "Iran hails pullout as victory for axis of resistance",
    "Baghdad residents feel relief but worry about security vacuum"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Joy mixed with fear as US forces quit Iraq leaving potential security vacuum",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/joy-mixed-with-fear-as-us-forces-quit-iraq-leaving-potential-security-11011025",
        "published": "2026-09-30T19:27:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}