U.S. Troop Withdrawal Agreement Marks New Phase in Iraq’s Security Landscape

The United States has reached an agreement with Iraq to conclude its military mission against ISIS, initiating a phased withdrawal of U.S. troops from longstanding bases. This transition is set against a backdrop of regional tensions and ongoing Iranian influence. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani endorsed the agreement, emphasizing the capabilities of Iraqi forces. The U.S. aims to transition to a bilateral security relationship, yet specifics regarding troop levels remain unclear.

On January 24, 2024, the United States announced a significant agreement with the Iraqi government to conclude its military mission in Iraq, particularly concerning the American-led coalition that has been instrumental in combating the Islamic State group for nearly two decades. This transition will be marked by the withdrawal of U.S. troops from some of the longstanding bases they have occupied throughout their military presence in Iraq, which began in 2003. However, the Biden administration has refrained from detailing how many of the approximately 2,500 troops still deployed in Iraq will remain active post-agreement. Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh indicated, “I think it is fair to say that, you know, our footprint is going to be changing within the country,” although specifics were not disclosed. This announcement comes at a precarious time in the Middle East, with tensions escalating between Israel and Iranian-aligned groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas, which have increasingly targeted U.S. installations in Iraq in recent months. Formal discussions about reducing coalition forces have been ongoing for several months, reflecting the consistent call from Iraqi officials for the withdrawal of foreign troops. The new agreement entails a two-phase transition that began in January and will continue through September 2025, culminating in the conclusion of active coalition missions against ISIS and the withdrawal of troops from critical bases like Ain al-Asad airbase and Baghdad International Airport, as confirmed by Iraqi government officials. Subsequent to the upcoming November elections in the U.S., American forces will consolidate at Hareer base in Erbil, situated in northern Iraq’s Kurdistan region. After 2025, a continued U.S. presence is anticipated to support counter-ISIS operations in Syria. U.S. officials alluded to an eventual shift towards a bilateral security partnership with Iraq, although they did not clarify the future troop levels. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani emphasized the significance of this agreement, stating, “We have taken an important step in resolving the issue of the international coalition to fight ISIS,” indicating confidence in the capabilities of Iraqi security forces. This ongoing U.S. military presence has been politically sensitive for Sudani’s administration, which faces growing Iranian influence amid attempts to navigate complex U.S.-Iran relations. The recent agreement marks the third formal transition of U.S. military involvement in Iraq over the last two decades. Following the initial invasion in 2003, troop levels peaked at over 170,000 in 2007 during counterinsurgency efforts. In response to the resurgence of ISIS in 2014, U.S. forces returned to assist Iraqi security against the militant threat before the coalition mission concluded in 2021. Although American troops currently maintain a presence in Iraq to curb the influence of Iranian-backed militias, their role is poised for change under the new agreement.

The U.S. military presence in Iraq traces back to March 2003, when American forces invaded the country under the pretext of dismantling Saddam Hussein’s purported weapons of mass destruction. The invasion, however, led to an extended military engagement as violent resistance and insurgency posed significant challenges. At its peak, the presence of U.S. forces swelled to over 170,000, reflecting the expansive nature of military operations aimed at controlling insurgent activities and stabilizing the region. This decade-long effort included a massive counterinsurgency campaign that marked a tumultuous chapter in Iraq and U.S. relations. In recent years, the focus of American military operations shifted towards counter-terrorism efforts, specifically targeting the Islamic State, which quickly gained territorial control over large areas of Iraq and Syria. The rise of ISIS prompted calls for a renewed U.S. military presence, which was formalized through agreements with the Iraqi government to support local forces in reclaiming their territory. Since then, U.S. troops have operated in a training and advisory capacity, alongside maintaining a presence to deter Iranian influence through various militias active in Iraq.

In summary, the recent agreement between the United States and Iraq signifies a pivotal shift in U.S. military involvement in the region. With the planned withdrawal of U.S. troops from key bases, the transition towards a more supportive role reflects Iraq’s growing confidence in its security forces. However, the complexity of U.S.-Iran relations and regional tensions poses ongoing challenges that will influence the future of foreign military presence in Iraq. As this agreement unfolds, the focus will be on maintaining stability and countering any resurgence of militant groups in both Iraq and neighboring Syria.

Original Source: apnews.com