US troops withdraw from Iraq after completing mission against IS

[Cairo Current Affairs] The US Department of Defense announced on the 30th that it has completed a mission in Iraq aimed at eliminating the Islamic State (IS) extremist group. The same day was the deadline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops, and he boasted of his accomplishments, saying, ``An orderly withdrawal indicates mission success.'' However, the absence of U.S. troops will create a "power vacuum," raising concerns about deteriorating security and the possibility that Iran, which is engaged in a military conflict with the U.S., could expand its influence over neighboring Iraq.

U.S. troops have been stationed there since the 2003 Iraq War. They withdrew in 2011, but deployed their forces again in 2014 due to the expansion of IS. The combat mission ended in 2021. Approximately 2,500 personnel remained stationed there and continued to provide advice and training to the Iraqi military, but the United States agreed with Iraq to end these missions in 2024 in order to shift its focus to its strategy against China.

The Pentagon said in a statement that while training and intelligence will continue to be provided, "responsibility (for security) rests with the Iraqi government." Iraqi Prime Minister Zaidi stated on the 30th that with the withdrawal of US troops, Iraq has "entered a new phase" centered on establishing sovereignty and strengthening state institutions.