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  4. U.S.’S EXIT FROM THE MILITARY MISSION OF IRAQ

U.S.’s Exit from the Military Mission of Iraq

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September 28, 2026

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | International relations

Why in News?

Recently, the United States officially concluded its 23-year military footprint in federal Iraq, completing the scheduled transition under Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR).

Evolution of the U.S. Military Footprint in Iraq

Phase I

Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003–2011)

Initiated in March 2003 to overthrow Saddam Hussein's regime based on allegations of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).

Reached a peak presence of over 170,000 troops before a full combat withdrawal were executed under the Obama administration in December 2011.

Phase II

Re-intervention & Operation Inherent Resolve (2014–2021)

U.S. forces returned in 2014 at the invitation of the Iraqi government to lead an international coalition against the territorial expansion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS/Daesh), which had seized nearly one-third of Iraqi territory.

Phase III

Transition to Advisory Role (2021–2024)

In December 2021, the U.S. formally concluded its active combat mission, shifting remaining personnel (~2,500 troops) strictly to training, intelligence-sharing, and advisory functions.

Phase IV

Complete Phased Drawdown (2024–2026)

Following bilateral security talks under the U.S.-Iraq Higher Military Commission, a phased timetable was established to dismantle coalition military structures, transferring major installations (such as Al-Asad Airbase) directly to Iraqi Joint Operations Command control.

The Iraqi government declared the transition a major milestone for national sovereignty, establishing the day as a national celebration ("Day of Sovereignty").

Geopolitical Implications

  • Replaces the multi-nation Coalition Task Force with a standardized bilateral defense relationship between Washington and Baghdad, shifting focus toward economic, trade, and diplomatic cooperation.
  • While the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) have significantly upgraded intelligence and operational readiness, concerns persist regarding residual ISIS sleeper cells in rural desert pockets.
  • Also, the ISF's reliance on external air support and advanced surveillance systems.
  • Leaves a complex domestic security landscape involving powerful political factions and militia groups under the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), amidst ongoing regional frictions across the Middle East.

Significance for Global Security

  • End of Forever Wars Era - Marks the symbolic conclusion of major post-9/11 U.S. military interventions in the Greater Middle East (following the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal).
  • Strategic Pivot- Allows the U.S. national security apparatus to reallocate defense assets toward the Indo-Pacific region and global power competition.
  • Impact on India's West Asia Interests- A stable, sovereign Iraq is critical for India's energy security (Iraq remains one of India's top crude oil suppliers) and the safety of the Indian diaspora across the Persian Gulf region.

U.S.’s Exit from the Military Mission of Iraq

Reference

DD News | USA's exit from Iraq
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