US Military Concludes 12-Year Mission in Iraq with Final Troop Withdrawal

The U.S. military has officially completed its 12-year mission in Iraq, with the final troops departing on September 30, 2026. This withdrawal, agreed upon two years prior, ends American combat operations that began with the 2003 invasion. The departure raises concerns among some Iraqis about a potential security vacuum, the resurgence of ISIS, and increased activity by Iran-backed militias, while Iran-linked groups celebrated the move.