American Troops Leave Iraq With a Warning for Iran
Summary
The last American troops have left Iraq, ending nearly 20 years of U.S. military presence that began with the 2003 invasion and resumed in 2014 to fight ISIS. Despite the withdrawal, the U.S. continues military operations near Iran, while Iraq faces ongoing influence from both the U.S. and Iran, making the country's political situation complex.Key Facts
- The U.S. military first invaded Iraq in 2003 and took control of Baghdad by April that year.
- American troops left Iraq in 2011, with 4,492 U.S. soldiers killed and thousands wounded during that time.
- Civilian deaths in Iraq between 2003 and 2011 are estimated between 180,000 and 210,000 due to violence and damaged infrastructure.
- The U.S. returned in 2014 to help fight ISIS, which caused another 123 U.S. military deaths.
- Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi called the U.S. its most important strategic partner but also acknowledged armed groups linked to Iran operate in the country.
- Iran-backed military groups gained influence in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein and played a key role in fighting ISIS.
- The political balance in Iraq is fragile because it must navigate relationships with both the U.S. and Iran.
- Two U.S. carrier strike groups are currently operating in the Arabian Sea as part of U.S. military activity near Iran.
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