- The US military will withdraw its last troops from Iraq by September 30, as confirmed by the Iraqi prime minister following a meeting with Cooper.
- Washington and Baghdad agreed to wind down US-led operations against ISIL in 2024.
Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced that the US military will withdraw all troops by September 30, marking the end of a 23-year presence that began with the 2003 invasion. This decision was confirmed after a meeting with US officials, emphasizing a shift in US-Iraq relations towards economic and security cooperation.1
“September 30 will be the fixed and final date for ending the military mission of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in Iraq,” stated the prime minister’s office. The withdrawal aims to place weapons under exclusive state control, which is seen as essential for Iraq's development and prosperity.
“October 1 will mark a new day in the trajectory of the Iraqi state, as Iraq will be free of any foreign military presence,” the statement added. A US official noted that the US expects to complete its pullout by the deadline but did not specify troop numbers or redeployment plans.
The official highlighted the success of the United States, Iraq, and coalition partners in defeating ISIS, stating that Iraqi security forces will now lead the fight against terrorism in the country.
“The withdrawal follows a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad to wind down US-led operations against ISIL. The Iraqi prime minister's confirmation came after his meeting with Cooper, signaling a formal end to a two-decade military presence.”
Firstpost
