US forces exit Iraq after two decades, leaving opening for Iran
The pullout ends a 2,500-troop mission and raises fears that Iran-backed militias and Islamic State sleeper cells could exploit a security gap.
- On Wednesday, United States forces are set to complete their withdrawal from Iraq, ending a two-decade presence where 4,500 Americans died during the conflict.
- American forces invaded Iraq in 2003 to topple Saddam Hussein, returning less than three years later to fight Islamic State; twice as many Americans died in Iraq as in the parallel war in Afghanistan.
- Iran's Parliament, through deputy chairman Amir Hayat Moqaddam, welcomed the withdrawal on Monday, stating the departure removes a military counterweight to Tehran's influence in the region.
- Islamic Resistance commander Abu Mojtaba called the exit "a historic victory for the Iraqi Islamic resistance groups," though security officials warned Islamic State sleeper cells are escalating activity.
- The withdrawal, agreed under President Joe Biden and executed by Donald Trump, concludes a period when Iraq served as a proxy battlefield between the United States and Iran.
183 Articles
183 Articles
The United States forces must leave their last bases in Iraq until Wednesday, in a retreat celebrated as a victory by Iran and its allies, who now exert deep influence in the country where 4,500 Americans died over more than two decades of war.
<p>US withdraws troops from Iraq after two decades, Iran may increase influence in region The last US troops will leave Iraq by September 30. Experts predict Iran's growing influence and risk of retrenchment I.D.</p>
The U.S. military presence in Iraq dates back to the 2003 invasion, ordered during the administration of George W. Bush.
The US-led coalition forces stationed in Iraq since the 2003 invasion and the 2014 international intervention against ISIS will withdraw from the country as of September 30. The Iraqi government has declared October 1 a "historic turning point."
The United States, which invaded Iraq in 2003, is ending its military presence in the country after 23 years. With the closure of coalition headquarters on September 30th, Washington's era of maintaining military bases in Iraq comes to an end, and Baghdad takes over full security responsibility. This was stated by the spokesperson for the Iraqi Armed Forces Commander, Sabah...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
