CENTCOM: US forces complete withdrawal from Iraq

The US Central Command says it has completed the withdrawal of troops stationed in Iraq to fight Islamic State militants.

CENTCOM released a statement on Wednesday saying about 1,500 troops were stationed at Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq. Admiral Brad Cooper, a CENTCOM commander, said, "ISIS no longer poses a systemic threat to Iraq's national security." He added that the troops will "remain ready to respond to any ISIS threats that arise."

Iraqi officials held a ceremony in Baghdad to mark the occasion.

Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi said, "A new phase has begun, one defined by Iraq's sovereignty, the strength of its institutions, the readiness of its forces and balanced partnerships with its friends."

An Iraqi citizen in Baghdad said: "I'm very glad. All of us wanted the troops to leave Iraq."

Another said: "Honestly, I don't know if the country can become stable. But I'm hopeful for the government's ability to maintain security."

US troops had maintained a presence in Iraq since invading in 2003. They pulled out completely but returned in 2014 to respond to the ISIS threat. That combat mission ended in 2021, and the remaining troops had been engaged in training and providing guidance for Iraqi soldiers.

Iran-linked forces operating in Iraq have increased their activities since the US launched military operations against Iran. The withdrawal of US troops is raising concerns about the impact on Iraq and the region.