US forces complete withdrawal from Iraq after two decades

Photo — Ivan Hassib / Pexels

The final US troops, mainly departing from an airbase in Iraq’s Kurdish region, have left the country after a mission that followed the 2003 invasion and later focused on combating Islamic State. Iraqis expressed mixed reactions, including relief at the end of the long foreign military presence and fear that domestic forces may struggle to contain militant groups. The withdrawal could also increase Iran-backed political and militia influence, making Iraq’s security arrangements and regional balance closely watched in the coming months.

Sources: Reuters, CNN