The U.S. military says it has formally completed the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, ending a mission launched about 12 years ago to fight the Islamic State (ISIS). Multiple outlets report that the final U.S. forces leave as part of a planned drawdown.
According to the reports, the last troops depart from an air base in northern Iraq under an arrangement between the Iraqi and U.S. governments. Several sources note that the withdrawal is widely framed in Baghdad as proof of Iraq’s growing strength and sovereignty.
Outlets also differ in emphasis around reactions and implications. PBS and the Globe and Mail highlight Iraqi government messaging. The Guardian adds that Iran and its allies portray the departure as a victory, while Iraqi security experts express concern that the withdrawal could allow ISIS and other groups time to regroup. The U.S. announcement focuses on completion of the drawdown rather than assessing future security conditions.
