Overview
- The Pentagon confirmed the last U.S. soldiers left Iraq on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, formally ending a more-than-20-year direct U.S. military presence that began with the 2003 invasion.
- About 2,500 U.S. personnel who had been serving as advisers and trainers in Erbil, near Baghdad airport and inside the Green Zone were withdrawn and key bases were transferred to Iraqi forces.
- Iraqi authorities postponed the promised parallel disarmament and integration of Iran‑aligned militias to June 2027, a delay that analysts say could strengthen Tehran’s influence and leave armed groups freer to act.
- Kurdish commanders and other security officials report renewed movements by Islamic State sleeper cells since the withdrawal date was set, and they warn the troop exit could embolden attacks on local and regional targets.
- Iraq and U.S. officials say intelligence and other non‑combat cooperation will continue, but the exit shifts everyday security duties to Baghdad and raises risks for civilians, Kurdish self-rule, and regional energy infrastructure given the country’s recent history.