From Dallas Express · Dallas Express · · 1m 50s
U.S. Ends 12-Year Iraq Mission
U.S. completes Iraq withdrawal after 12-year fight against ISIS.
In brief
U.S. completes Iraq withdrawal after 12-year fight against ISIS. U.S. ends military mission in Iraq as Iraqi forces take primary security responsibility for ISIS threats. Originally reported by Dallas Express.
U.S. Completes Iraq Withdrawal
The United States has completed the withdrawal of its forces and equipment from Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq, ending the Iraq portion of Operation Inherent Resolve after a 12-year campaign against ISIS.
Withdrawal Follows 2024 Agreement
The withdrawal follows a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad to end the coalition's military mission in Iraq and transition to a bilateral security relationship.
Pentagon Shifts Responsibility
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the departure marks the transition from a wartime coalition operation to an Iraqi-led security effort.
Iraqi Forces Take Primary Role
The Pentagon said Iraqi Security Forces, including the Peshmerga and other forces in the Kurdistan region, will now have primary responsibility for addressing remaining security threats and preventing ISIS remnants from rebuilding their capabilities.
Pentagon Statement on Security
The primary responsibility for addressing Iraq's remaining security challenges, including ISIS remnants and Iran-aligned militias that undermine Iraqi sovereignty and regional stability, now rests with the Government of Iraq.
Counter-ISIS Operations Continue
The end of the U.S. military mission in Iraq does not mean the broader campaign against ISIS has ended. The Combined Joint Task Force, Operation Inherent Resolve has relocated its headquarters to Jordan, while U.S. and coalition forces continue counter-ISIS operations in Syria.
Iraq Faces Security Challenges
The withdrawal comes as Iraq continues to confront ISIS remnants as well as powerful Iran-aligned militias operating inside the country. The Iraqi government has sought to bring weapons held by non-state groups under government control, although some influential militias have resisted efforts to disarm them.
The headline
U.S. ends military mission in Iraq as Iraqi forces take primary security responsibility for ISIS threats.
