US Forces Complete Withdrawal from Iraq

Baghdad – Agencies: The official spokesperson and head of Iraq’s Security Media Cell, Major General Saad Maan, announced that Iraq’s takeover of the main headquarters of U.S. forces at Baghdad International Airport, along with an agreement with Turkey for the withdrawal of Turkish military forces from the Bashiq base in Nineveh Province, confirms the possibility of continuing security cooperation with international partners based on mutual respect and in a manner that preserves the independence of Iraq’s decision-making.

Maan told the state-owned newspaper Al-Sabah, in its issue published yesterday, that “the government now holds the ultimate authority and exclusive decision-making power regarding the nature of military and security presence on Iraqi territory.” He added that “strengthening Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, alongside its independent management of its security file, constitute the fundamental pillar for the country’s stability and for advancing its regional and international relations toward broader horizons of fruitful cooperation.”

The German news agency DPA quoted an Iraqi official, who wished to remain anonymous, as saying that all U.S. combat forces and logistical support units have left the country. He noted that the occasion is expected to be commemorated as “Independence Day,” with public institutions closed for four days. No official confirmation has been issued by the United States so far. According to the U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon), approximately 2,500 U.S. soldiers were stationed in Iraq in recent years.

For his part, Commander of the Iraqi Air Force, Major General Khaled Al-Tamimi, stated that no force from the international coalition has been carrying out duties within Iraqi territory since the beginning of 2026. Speaking to the Iraqi News Agency (INA) yesterday, Al-Tamimi said that “all air operations within Iraq are conducted with complete independence from the international coalition. Iraqi F-16 aircraft have carried out missions for more than 10 days without foreign intervention, and maintenance of F-16 aircraft is performed entirely by Iraqi personnel.”

Iraq is expected to turn the page on cooperation with the international coalition to support Iraq in fighting ISIS and end the presence of combat forces on the 30th of this month, transitioning to bilateral relations based on agreements with some coalition countries to support arms procurement programs, train security forces, and enhance their readiness to face challenges.