US-led coalition to complete Iraq withdrawal by September 30

September 29, 2026 at 03:39 PM2 min

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The US-led coalition will complete its military withdrawal from Iraq on September 30, ending a 23-year presence that began with the 2003 invasion. Baghdad will assume full security responsibility, with no foreign military bases remaining on Iraqi soil. Some US air defense batteries and special units will stay to protect diplomatic facilities in Baghdad and Erbil.

Key Facts

The US-led coalition will complete its military withdrawal from Iraq on September 30, 2026.
Iraqi military spokesman Sabah al-Numan said no foreign troops or military bases will remain on Iraqi territory after the withdrawal.
The US will leave some air defense batteries and special units in Iraq to protect diplomatic facilities in Baghdad and Erbil.
The Kurdistan Region's Peshmerga Ministry has expressed concerns about the region's air defense capacity as the coalition withdrawal approaches.

Withdrawal Timeline

The US-led coalition's combat units will depart Iraq on September 30, 2026, closing the coalition headquarters. Iraqi Prime Minister's Office Director Abulemir al-Shammari announced on September 26 that the coalition headquarters would close on September 30. The Iraqi Defense Ministry stated that the Iraqi army and intelligence units have reached the capacity to protect the country's borders. Baghdad has declared October 1 a 'historic turning point' following the coalition's departure.

Security Transition

Iraqi forces will assume full security responsibility across the country, with no foreign military bases remaining. The Iraqi government announced that no foreign military elements will remain in the country. Security relations between Baghdad and Washington are expected to continue through intelligence sharing, coordination, and weapons programs under a bilateral framework. The US will retain some air defense batteries and special units in Iraq to protect its diplomatic facilities in Baghdad and Erbil.

Regional Reactions

The Kurdistan Region's Peshmerga Ministry has voiced concerns about the region's air defense capacity as the coalition withdrawal nears. Analysts note that the US is strategically repositioning its military presence to bases in Jordan and Gulf countries. Posters declaring 'full sovereignty' have appeared on Baghdad streets as final shipments are carried out at military bases.