The U.S.-Led Iraq Mission Ends. Baghdad Faces the Security Test
U.S. Central Command says it completed its departure from Erbil Air Base on Sept. 30, ending Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. Baghdad assumes primary security responsibility as Islamic State remnants and disputes over armed groups test the promise of sovereignty.
U.S. Central Command said on Sept. 30 that it had completed the departure of U.S. forces and equipment from Erbil Air Base, ending the Operation Inherent Resolve mission in Iraq. The task force remains active from Jordan and will continue the counter-ISIS mission in Syria with coalition partners and the Syrian government, CENTCOM said.
Erbil had served as the operation’s main hub and hosted most of roughly 1,500 U.S. and coalition personnel supporting counter-ISIS operations, according to CENTCOM. The conclusion follows a withdrawal from federal Iraq that began last October. Washington and Baghdad now describe the next phase as a bilateral defence relationship, with Iraqi forces taking primary responsibility for security.
Iraqi forces need one accountable command capable of protecting the Kurdish region, containing Islamic State cells and keeping armed groups within the law.
From the analysisBaghdad is marking the departure as a sovereignty milestone. The security test is less ceremonial. NPR reports that Kurdish leaders fear exposure to Iranian attacks and that Islamic State sleeper cells remain in disputed areas. Al Jazeera describes a precarious phase as Iraq tries to bring powerful armed groups, including Iran-aligned militias, under state control.
Iraqi forces need one accountable command capable of protecting the Kurdish region, containing Islamic State cells and keeping armed groups within the law. Washington should make bilateral support an instrument for Iraqi capability: training, intelligence and defensive assistance requested by Baghdad, tied to transparent goals and civilian oversight. Progress should be measured by whether the Iraqi state can protect its citizens and bring every armed formation under a lawful chain of command. Sovereignty will gain public confidence when institutions can do both.
Sources
A human editor is accountable for this analysis. Read our editorial standards, how we use AI, what the content labels mean, and how to ask for a correction.
