US Completes Troop Withdrawal From Iraq After 23 Years, Shifting Regional Power

In 2003, the United States led an invasion of Iraq, toppling Saddam Hussein and beginning a prolonged military presence in the country. Over the years, US forces battled insurgency, sectarian violence, and later the rise of ISIS, suffering over 4,500 American deaths in the process, according to Sky News.

The US mission evolved multiple times, shifting from combat operations to supporting Iraqi forces in the fight against ISIS. Despite previous troop reductions, American troops remained in Iraq as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, mainly focused on advising and assisting local forces, Deutsche Welle reported.

On September 29, 2026, the United States completed its withdrawal from its last remaining bases in Iraq, finalizing an exit plan that had been in discussion for years. The move was celebrated by Iran and its allies, who now hold significant sway in Iraqi politics, as noted by South China Morning Post.

The withdrawal marked the end of a turbulent chapter, with the Iraqi government declaring a new era of sovereignty, according to Deutsche Welle. However, not everyone viewed the departure as a purely positive development. Sunni leaders and analysts warned that Iraq might not be fully ready to secure itself, especially with the threat of ISIS remnants still present, Times of Israel - Iran reported.

With US troops gone, powerful Iran-backed militias are expected to play a larger role in the country's security dynamics. The government now faces the challenge of asserting control over these groups while preventing a security vacuum, Middle East Eye noted.

The withdrawal was completed as planned by September 30, 2026, closing a 23-year chapter of US military involvement that began with the fall of Saddam Hussein, NDTV Top Stories stated.

Iraq now stands at a crossroads. The US exit is seen by many as a boost for Iranian influence in the country, with Shiite groups and Tehran's allies celebrating the development. Baghdad has declared 'Sovereignty Days,' marking the start of a new era, but the security environment remains tense, Al Jazeera reported.

There are growing fears about the potential resurgence of ISIS and the unchecked activities of armed militias. Iraqi officials and analysts warn that the country must quickly adapt to fill the gap left by the US withdrawal to prevent instability, as highlighted by Reuters.

The main questions now revolve around whether Iraq can maintain security and stability without US military support. Observers are watching how Baghdad will manage its relationships with both the United States and Iran, and whether it can keep militias in check.

The ability of Iraqi forces to prevent ISIS attacks and curb the influence of powerful armed groups will be critical in the coming months.