Final UK, US forces exit Iraq as counter-IS campaign concludes

The departure of remaining UK and US forces from Iraq represents a significant milestone in the country's effort to reassert complete control over its territory and security apparatus. The troops were withdrawn following the completion of their assigned counter-terrorism objectives against Islamic State cells that had been operating in the region.

Iraq's government had made the withdrawal of foreign military personnel a priority objective, viewing it as essential to national sovereignty and the country's ability to manage its own defense operations independently. The agreement establishing the timeline for the pullout was reached two years prior to the final departure, providing sufficient notice for Baghdad to coordinate the transition of security responsibilities.

The anti-IS campaign had involved coalition forces providing training, logistical support, and operational assistance to Iraqi security forces over several years. With the departure of these final units, the responsibility for combating any remaining militant threats now rests entirely with Iraqi military and intelligence agencies.

The withdrawal concludes a lengthy international military presence that had been established in response to the rise of Islamic State in the region. Iraq's security forces are now tasked with preventing any resurgence of extremist activity and maintaining stability across the country without direct foreign military support.