The U.S. military has begun withdrawing forces from Iraq in accordance with an agreement signed in September 2024.
“In accordance with the President’s guidance and in alignment with the U.S.-Iraq Higher Military Commission and the joint statement issued on Sept. 27, 2024, the United States and Coalition partners will reduce its military mission in Iraq,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement. “This reduction reflects our combined success in fighting ISIS and marks an effort to transition to a lasting U.S.-Iraq security partnership in accordance with U.S. national interests, the Iraqi Constitution, and the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement.”
“This partnership will support U.S. and Iraqi security and strengthens Iraq’s ability to realize economic development, foreign investment, and regional leadership. The U.S. Government will continue close coordination with the Government of Iraq and Coalition members to ensure a responsible transition.”
Reuters reports that the United States had an estimated 2,500 troops in Iraq at the beginning of 2025 and more than 900 in Syria. The new transition will see the military targeting Islamic State remnants in Syria and moving personnel to Kurdistan.
Troops remaining in Baghdad will focus on bilateral security cooperation matters rather than countering ISIS.
“ISIS is no longer posing a sustained threat to the government of Iraq or to the U.S. homeland from Iraqi territory. This is a major achievement that enables us to transition more responsibly to Iraq leading efforts for security in their own country,” a senior defense official said, as quoted by the outlet.
