By Muhammad Zia Mohiuddin
Scandinavian News Agency
The Iraq troop withdrawal by the United States is now complete, according to SNN News, marking the end of more than two decades of American military presence in the country.
The pullout follows a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad to formally conclude the US-led military mission against ISIS.
For many Iraqis, the departure is being described as a renewed assertion of national sovereignty, a shift away from the visible foreign military footprint that has shaped the country since 2003. Yet the transition is not without risk, and questions remain about what comes next for Iraq’s security.
Iraq Troop Withdrawal Marks End of Two-Decade Mission
American forces first entered Iraq in 2003, and their presence continued in various forms through the fight against ISIS, which seized large parts of the country in 2014.
The 2024 agreement set a timeline for winding down the US-led coalition’s combat role, transferring security responsibilities fully to Iraqi forces.
According to SNN News, the final withdrawal phase concluded this week, closing a chapter that has defined US-Iraq relations for a generation. Baghdad has framed the moment as proof that Iraqi institutions are now capable of standing on their own.
Security Concerns Following the Iraq Troop Withdrawal
Not everyone views the pullout with unqualified optimism. Analysts cited in the report warn that ISIS sleeper cells, which remain active in parts of Iraq and Syria, could try to exploit any gaps left by departing coalition forces. Iran-aligned armed groups operating inside Iraq are also seen as a factor that could complicate the security picture.
Iraqi security forces now carry full responsibility for countering these threats without direct US combat support on the ground. Whether they are prepared for that responsibility is, according to the report, a central open question among regional observers.
Key Facts
- The US has completed its troop withdrawal from Iraq after more than 20 years of military presence
- The withdrawal follows a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad
- Analysts warn of potential security risks from ISIS sleeper cells and Iran-aligned groups
- Iraqi forces now hold full responsibility for national security
- The US-Iraq relationship is shifting toward cooperation, diplomacy and economic ties
- Iraq Troop
FAQs:
When did the US complete its Iraq troop withdrawal?
According to SNN News, the withdrawal was completed this week, ending over two decades of American military presence in Iraq.
What prompted the US decision to pull its troops out of Iraq?
The pullout follows a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad to formally end the US-led military mission against ISIS in Iraq.
What security risks does Iraq face after the withdrawal?
Analysts cited in the report point to potential threats from ISIS sleeper cells and Iran-aligned armed groups, which could try to exploit any security gaps.
Will the US maintain any relationship with Iraq going forward?
Yes. The relationship is expected to continue through security cooperation, diplomacy and economic ties rather than a military presence, per the report.
Are Iraqi forces ready to handle security independently?
This remains an open question among analysts, who note that Iraqi forces now carry full responsibility for countering internal threats without direct US combat support.
A New Phase for US-Iraq Relations
Officials on both sides have described the moment as a turning point rather than a clean break. The relationship is expected to shift from a visible military presence toward security cooperation, diplomatic engagement and economic ties, SNN News reported. This mirrors patterns seen in other countries where US forces have drawn down after long deployments.
For ordinary Iraqis, the underlying question is practical: will this transition bring lasting stability, or will it test the limits of what Iraqi forces can manage alone? That answer will likely take months, if not years, to become clear.
Iraq troop withdrawal
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