US completes military withdrawal from Iraq after two decades

The United States has completed its military withdrawal from Iraq, the Pentagon confirmed, concluding a lengthy intervention that spanned two decades. The pullout marks a formal end to American combat operations that commenced in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks and evolved through successive campaigns against extremist groups.

The withdrawal was executed as part of a broader reassessment of US military commitments across the Middle East. The extended American presence in Iraq had been justified through multiple strategic frameworks, including the global counter-terrorism campaign and operations against the Islamic State group, which emerged as a dominant threat in the region during the 2010s.

The departure represents a pivotal moment for Iraq, which now assumes full responsibility for internal security operations and counter-terrorism efforts. The milestone comes amid broader discussions about America's military footprint globally and a recalibration of resources toward other strategic priorities.

The end of the formal military mission does not entirely eliminate the US security relationship with Iraq, as diplomatic and advisory partnerships remain in place. However, the withdrawal of conventional combat forces signals a transition in how Washington approaches its involvement in Iraq's future stability and development.