US Withdraws Last Troops From Iraq After 23 Years of Military Presence: US Officially Ends Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq

The United States and its allies have officially ended Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. The statement was issued by Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell. The operation began in 2014 to fight the terrorist organization “Islamic state” (ISIS, banned in Russia).

The orderly withdrawal of coalition forces and equipment from Erbil Air Base marks the successful completion of the military mission during which IS (Islamic State, a terrorist and banned organization in Russia). “Kommersant” was defeated in Iraq, said Mr. Parnell.

The operation was completed “in accordance with a joint statement of the United States and Iraq of September 2024 and in the interests of American national interests,” the official said. According to him, the Pentagon expects that the security forces of Iraq — including Iraqi Kurdistan — will now take a “leading role in further ensuring the security of the country” and “suppress the remnants of the terrorist group.” The US will provide assistance by training personnel and sharing intelligence, the Pentagon official added.

US troops have been in Iraq since 2003. At the peak of counterterrorism operations in 2007, their number exceeded 170,000, after which it was reduced to a minimum in 2011. In 2014, the contingent was again increased to fight terrorists, and by 2021 the militants lost control over the occupied territories. There were 2,500 US troops in Iraq.

In 2024, the United States and Iraq reached an agreement on a phased withdrawal of American troops. In July 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump said U.S. troops in Iraq were no longer "needed.".