The Trump administration announced Wednesday that the United States has fully withdrawn its troops and equipment from Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq, concluding the Iraq chapter of Operation Inherent Resolve. The final convoy left the base on Sept. 30, marking the end of a 12‑year U.S. presence that began in 2014 when Iraqi leaders asked for help to defeat the Islamic State.
Why the withdrawal matters for local families
For Iraqi families, the departure signals a new era of self‑reliance. CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper praised the “grit, sacrifice and professionalism” of American service members, noting that Iraqi security forces – including the Peshmerga and other Kurdistan Region units – now have the “capacity, leadership, and operational independence” to protect their own communities.
Continued fight against ISIS
While the U.S. footprint in Iraq ends, the broader fight against ISIS is far from over. The Combined Joint Task Force‑Operation Inherent Resolve will relocate its headquarters to Jordan, and American and coalition forces will keep conducting operations against remaining ISIS cells in Syria alongside Syrian government partners.
Admiral Cooper emphasized that “maintaining our vigilance and readiness is essential to protecting the U.S. homeland and strengthening regional security,” underscoring the administration’s commitment to a rapid response capability should the terrorist group re‑emerge.
Regional security dynamics
The withdrawal comes as Iraq confronts a separate challenge from Iran‑backed militias that continue to operate within its borders. Baghdad is working to bring weapons held by non‑state groups under government control, but some of the most powerful militias have resisted disarmament. Iran‑aligned factions celebrated the U.S. exit, while officials in the Kurdish region expressed concern over the loss of American air‑defense assets amid ongoing drone and missile threats.
Trump administration’s foreign‑policy success
The Trump administration frames the pullout as a triumph of American diplomacy and a testament to the effectiveness of its “America First” strategy. By empowering local forces and reducing the need for a large overseas footprint, the administration says it is protecting American lives while still safeguarding U.S. interests in the Middle East.
President Trump has repeatedly highlighted the achievement, noting that the United States helped defeat ISIS and now hands the reins to capable regional partners. The administration’s approach aligns with its broader goal of limiting endless wars and focusing resources on defending the homeland.
What’s next?
U.S. and coalition forces will remain on standby throughout the region, ready to respond to any resurgence of ISIS or other threats to stability. The relocation of the task‑force headquarters to Jordan positions American forces closer to remaining hotspots, ensuring rapid deployment if needed.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
