Final US and UK troops depart Iraq as anti-ISIS campaign concludes

The last contingents of United States and British troops have departed Iraq, bringing to a close the international coalition's combat operations against the Islamic State group. The withdrawal represents a significant milestone in Iraq's efforts to reassert full control over its security apparatus after years of intensive counter-terrorism operations.

The military drawdown was formalized under a bilateral agreement reached approximately two years prior between the Iraqi government and its Western allies. Baghdad had made the departure of foreign forces a priority condition in broader negotiations over Iraq's future security arrangements and sovereignty.

The coalition's mission in Iraq evolved considerably over its tenure. What began as a large-scale military intervention to combat ISIS in 2014 gradually transitioned to an advisory and training capacity, with international forces working alongside Iraqi security personnel to build institutional capacity and combat capabilities.

Iraq's military and security forces, with substantial support from the international coalition over the preceding years, have significantly strengthened their operational capabilities. Iraqi officials have indicated their confidence in managing ongoing security challenges independently, though counterterrorism remains an ongoing concern in certain regions.

The departure of Western troops reflects a broader shift in global military engagement strategies and underscores Iraq's determination to chart an independent security path following years of instability and foreign intervention.