Troops scheduled to leave Iraq by 2026, US shifts to advisory role

The United States has reached a tentative agreement with Iraq to withdraw hundreds of American-led troops by September 2025, with all remaining forces expected to depart by the end of 2026. This decision follows extensive negotiations, reflecting a significant shift in U.S. military strategy in the region.

Currently, about 2,500 U.S. troops are stationed in Iraq, with another 900 deployed in neighboring Syria. Under the agreement, which still awaits formal confirmation from both Washington and Baghdad, multiple sources informed Reuters that troops will be fully withdrawn from the Al-Asad airbase and significantly reduced in Baghdad. However, a contingent will remain in the semi-autonomous northern Kurdistan region to support operations against ISIS in Syria until late 2026.

This strategic shift is part of broader U.S. efforts to transition from direct military engagement to supporting Iraq through advisory roles and bilateral security partnerships, aiming to bolster Iraq's sovereignty and stability while managing ongoing threats from ISIS remnants.

Despite the planned withdrawal, the U.S. presence in Iraq has been a contentious issue, drawing criticism and sometimes hostile actions from Iran-backed militias. The U.S. maintains that any attacks on its forces or interests in the region could significantly escalate tensions.

American forces initially withdrew from Iraq in 2011 but returned in 2014 to lead a coalition to combat ISIS. The extensive military involvement of the U.S. in Iraq began with the 2003 invasion that resulted in the overthrow of Saddam Hussein.

The completion of the withdrawal plan is pending official approvals, with an announcement anticipated in the coming weeks.

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