U.S. forces leave Iraq as the regional anti-ISIS mission continues
The September 30 withdrawal gives way to bilateral cooperation.
Carried forward 2026-10-03. The withdrawal confirmed on September 30 retains its date. It does not mean the regional mission has ended.
U.S. Central Command, or CENTCOM, confirmed American forces and equipment left Erbil on September 30, ending the Inherent Resolve mission in Iraq. [1]
A continuing regional mission
Coalition headquarters remain operational from Jordan, CENTCOM says. Operations against the Islamic State group, or ISIS, continue in Syria. [1]
A planned withdrawal
Breaking Defense notes that U.S. forces left Iraq in 2011 before returning in 2014 to fight ISIS. The current withdrawal is part of a transition agreed with Baghdad in 2024. [2]
Different expectations in Iraq
Reuters describes celebrations in Iraq, alongside concerns voiced by residents and analysts about militias and ISIS cells. Those reactions are not a national opinion poll. [3]
The departure alone does not guarantee future stability. Iraqi authorities must now take primary responsibility for security, while Washington announces continued bilateral cooperation. [2]
Perspectives compared
Sources and documents
- [1] U.S. Central Command ↗September 30, 2026
- [2] Breaking Defense — Ashley Roque ↗September 30, 2026
- [3] Reuters / Business Recorder ↗October 1, 2026; event on September 30