The handover closes a 23 year military presence that began with the 2003 invasion. During the recent Middle East conflict, Iran-backed militias targeted U.S. installations more than 600 times, including the facilities at the capital's airport. Baghdad argues that removing the foreign military presence eliminates a primary justification these militias have used to maintain their weapons.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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Iraq Takes US Baghdad Airport HQ to End 23 Year Military Presence
War23 days ago
A combined military coalition is finalizing the removal of all overseas personnel from the territory by September 30 to conclude its operational mission. The Iraqi government has already assumed control of the primary U.S. forces headquarters at Baghdad Airport, fulfilling a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad to end the security engagement. Turkey has also committed to a phased withdrawal from its Bashiqa base near Mosul, provided Iraq removes armed groups that Ankara considers security threats from the Sinjar region.
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