Last UK and US troops leave Iraq as anti-Islamic State mission ends
Summary
The last British and American troops have left Iraq, ending their military mission against the Islamic State (IS) group after more than ten years. Iraqi security forces now have full responsibility for the country’s safety and will celebrate the withdrawal with national holidays.Key Facts
- The final UK military personnel, about 100 troops, left Irbil in northern Iraq, coordinated with US forces who also departed.
- The withdrawal follows a 2022 agreement between the US and Iraqi government to end the presence of foreign troops by August 2024.
- British and US forces had been in Iraq since 2014 to help defeat IS as part of Operation Inherent Resolve.
- Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said Iraq will now fully manage its security and stability.
- The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed Iraqi and Kurdish forces have defeated IS and are ready to handle security themselves.
- Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the military mission against IS was successfully completed with the coalition’s departure.
- Iraq still faces challenges from remaining IS fighters and Iranian-backed militias that threaten stability.
- Zaidi plans to disarm militias and bring weapons under state control, but some groups oppose this plan.
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