The withdrawal concludes a combat presence that began with the 2003 invasion and spanned 23 years, resulting in approximately 4,500 American deaths and a cost of more than $1.7 trillion. The exit follows a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad to end the anti-ISIS coalition mission. While Iran-backed militias have called the departure a historic victory, Iraqi security officials have warned that a power vacuum could enable the Islamic State to regroup.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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US Closes Final Iraq Base to End 23 Year Presence
War21 days ago
President Trump stated that the US military no longer needs to be stationed in Iraq as it airlifts the remaining troops and equipment from Erbil. A US defense official confirmed this operation as the military shuts its last major base, while the Iraqi defense ministry announced that coalition forces have now exited the country. A small number of US Marines will remain to protect diplomatic missions, and contractors will stay to maintain Iraq's fleet of tanks and F-16 fighter jets.
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