U.S. Set to Complete Final Troop Withdrawal From Iraq by September 30
The United States is set to complete the withdrawal of its remaining forces from Iraq by September 30, ending more than two decades of American military involvement that began with the 2003 invasion
The withdrawal marks the end of the U.S.-led international coalition’s military mission against ISIS in Iraq, with Iraqi security forces taking primary responsibility for counterterrorism operations.
The United States invaded Iraq in 2003 to overthrow Saddam Hussein’s government and withdrew its combat forces in 2011. American forces returned in 2014 after ISIS seized large areas of Iraq and Syria.
Around 4,500 Americans were killed during more than two decades of U.S. military involvement in Iraq.
The withdrawal is being welcomed by some Iraqis as a restoration of national sovereignty, while Iraqi security officials have warned that the departure could create a security gap and give Iran-backed groups and ISIS additional room to expand their influence.