UK & US Troops Exit Iraq
The last British and American soldiers left the northern city of Erbil on 30 September, ending a 12‑year‑old coalition force presence and bringing Operation Inherent Resolve to a close.
The withdrawal followed a 2024 agreement that Iraqi security forces would assume responsibility for the country’s defence by the end of September. Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi said the move marked “Iraq’s transition to a phase in which it assumes full responsibility for its security and stability.”
Iraq will observe four national “Sovereignty Days” to celebrate the departure, and the UK Ministry of Defence noted that Iraqi forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga now stand ready to protect the nation against remaining IS elements and Iran‑aligned militias.
While the coalition says it will continue to provide training and intelligence support, the United States has shifted its operational base to Jordan and will keep pressuring IS in Syria. The United Kingdom will maintain limited flight missions to deter IS remnants but will no longer deploy ground troops.
The exit also occurs amid rising tensions between Iran and the US, with Iranian‑backed militias reportedly increasing attacks on remaining coalition forces. Iraq’s new leadership faces the challenge of disarming these groups while preventing a resurgence of instability.
