United States Formalizes Withdrawal Plan for Troops in Iraq Under New Agreement

The United States has reached an agreement with Iraq to conclude its military mission against ISIS by next year, involving the withdrawal of troops from key bases. The transition will occur in two phases, with a full cessation of operations against ISIS by September 2025 and continued support through 2026. The agreement reflects longstanding calls for U.S. troop withdrawal amidst heightened regional tensions and political complexities.

On Friday, the United States government formalized an agreement with Iraq that will see the gradual conclusion of its military mission against the Islamic State (ISIS) by the end of next year. This arrangement entails the withdrawal of U.S. troops from several key bases that have been central to their presence in Iraq for nearly two decades. Presently, approximately 2,500 U.S. personnel remain in the country, though specifics regarding their future numbers were not disclosed by the Biden administration. “I think it’s fair to say that, you know, our footprint is going to be changing within the country,” stated Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, highlighting the shift in U.S. military strategy without detailing troop levels. This announcement occurs amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the escalating violence involving Israel, Hezbollah, and Hamas, which has subjected U.S. bases in the region to increased attacks from Iran-backed militias. Iraqi officials have long advocated for a reduction in foreign troops, leading to extensive discussions aimed at tapering U.S. military involvement in Iraq. According to U.S. officials, the transition will occur in two phases: a complete cessation of coalition operations against ISIS by September 2025 and subsequent support for continued efforts through 2026, particularly concerning counter-terrorism operations in Syria. The Iraqi government anticipates that while some American troops may depart, others will remain stationed at Hareer base in the Kurdistan region post-2026, as local authorities seek their continued presence. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani expressed optimism regarding the agreement, stating, “We have taken an important step in resolving the issue of the international coalition to fight ISIS,” underscoring the government’s faith in its armed forces. However, the presence of U.S. troops has become increasingly contentious for Sudani’s administration, which is under pressure from pro-Iran factions within Iraq.

The presence of U.S. troops in Iraq originated from the 2003 invasion aimed at dismantling Saddam Hussein’s regime under allegations of possessing weapons of mass destruction, which were later found to be unfounded. The initial surge of U.S. forces peaked in 2007, but following a series of strategic withdrawals, combat troops formally exited in December 2011. However, the rise of ISIS prompted the re-entry of U.S. forces to assist the Iraqi military, focusing on training and counter-terrorism efforts. The current agreement reflects evolving Iraqi attitudes towards foreign military presence and the broader complexities of U.S.-Iran relations in the region.

In summary, the recent agreement between the United States and Iraq signifies a pivotal change in military operations as U.S. troops prepare to withdraw from longstanding bases. As geopolitical tensions rise and regional complexities increase, the U.S. aims to redefine its role while supporting Iraqi security forces. The hope is to foster a more autonomous Iraqi military capable of countering threats like ISIS, albeit amid ongoing challenges related to Iranian influence. The outcome of this transition will be closely monitored as it continues to unfold over the coming years.

Original Source: apnews.com