Iraq’s Coalition Drawdown and Security Transition

Iraq announced closure of International Coalition headquarters on September 25; the next day, “Iraq to close US-led coalition headquarters by September 30, ending foreign bases” and “Iraq says no foreign military bases will remain after September 30” reported the deadline and Iraq’s position. On September 29, U.S. troops withdrew from a Baghdad base, while Italy completed its withdrawal from Iraq; “US troops complete withdrawal from Baghdad base after two decades” reported the U.S. milestone. On September 30, the United States marked a mission-and-withdrawal milestone at Erbil, the Netherlands ended its contribution to Operation Inherent Resolve, and Iraq marked the coalition mission’s end; “US forces complete withdrawal from Iraq after 23 years” and “US-led coalition ends its mission in Iraq” describe distinct parts of that transition. On October 1, Germany withdrew its last troops, while Kataib Hezbollah announced a suspension of military activities and Iraqi officials described disarmament deadlines; “Germany withdraws its last troops from Iraq after 11-year presence,” “Kataib Hezbollah halts military operations in Iraq, except attacks on violating aircraft,” and “Iraq sets June 2027 deadline to disarm all armed groups” document those separate developments. Iraq later said no U.S. troops, including advisers, remained and set a deadline for armed factions to disarm.