U.S. Forces Complete Final Exit from Iraq's Erbil Base, Ending 12-Year Mission
The United States has withdrawn all troops and equipment from Erbil Air Base, concluding its Operation Inherent Resolve presence in Iraq.
On September 30, U.S. Central Command announced the final departure of American troops and equipment from Erbil Air Base, closing the Iraq chapter of Operation Inherent Resolve that started in 2014. The move transfers primary security duties to Iraqi forces, including the Peshmerga and other regional units, while the Combined Joint Task Force relocates its command centre to Jordan and continues missions against ISIS in Syria.
Admiral Brad Cooper praised the contributions of tens of thousands of service members, diplomats and civilians, saying ISIS no longer poses a systemic threat to Iraq. The withdrawal ends a U.S. presence that was re-established after ISIS seized large territories, though U.S. forces remain ready to respond to any resurgence. Iraq still confronts challenges from Iran-backed militias, and Kurdish officials have voiced worries about losing U.S. air-defence support.
Why it matters
The exit ends a long-running U.S. military role in Iraq, reshaping regional security dynamics and future counter-terrorism efforts.
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