U.S. Completes Withdrawal From Iraq as Regional Tensions Escalate

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The Pentagon said the U.S. and coalition partners have formally concluded Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and shifted to an Iraqi-led security framework supported by bilateral cooperation. The withdrawal follows years of military operations against Islamic State but occurs during heightened Middle East tensions, including clashes involving Iran-backed militias and the continuing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. Reporting also indicates that Russia launched missile and drone attacks against Kyiv and surrounding areas, killing civilians and targeting Ukraine’s power grid, while Israeli officials investigated a suspected hijacking attempt involving a Flydubai flight bound for Israel. The Iraq withdrawal is the most consequential strategic development because it ends a major U.S. military campaign while potentially changing the regional balance of power.

Sources: Associated Press, CNN, NPR, Democracy Now, Anadolu Agency