Iraq’s defense ministry said that US forces have fully left the Ain al-Asad air base in western Iraq. The base is now completely under Iraqi army control. This base had been used for many years by the US and coalition forces (a group of states or organizations united for a common goal).
In 2024, Washington and Baghdad reached an agreement to withdraw US-led coalition forces from Iraq and move to a bilateral security relationship. The Ain al-Asad base was targeted by Iran-backed armed groups during periods of regional tension, especially after the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020.
An Iraqi army official confirmed the US forces’ withdrawal but said a few soldiers remained at the base due to logistical issues. No further details were given for security reasons.
Under the initial plan, hundreds of troops were to leave by September 2025, with the rest leaving by the end of 2026. It is not yet officially clear when the withdrawal began.
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