Iraqi army fully takes over key base following US withdrawal

"U.S. forces have fully withdrawn from an air base in western Iraq in implementation of an agreement with the Iraqi government, Iraqi officials said Saturday. Washington and Baghdad agreed in 2024 to wind down a U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group in Iraq by September 2025, with U.S. forces departing bases where they had been stationed. However, a small unit of U.S. military advisers and support personnel remained."

"Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in October told journalists that the agreement originally stipulated a full pullout of U.S. forces from the Ain al-Asad air base in western Iraq by September. But developments in Syria since then required maintaining a small unit of between 250 and 350 advisers and security personnel at the base. Now all U.S. personnel have departed."

"Iraqi Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah oversaw the assignment of tasks and duties to various military units at the base on Saturday following the withdrawal of U.S. forces and the Iraqi Army's full assumption of control over the base, the military said in a statement. The statement added that Yarallah instructed relevant authorities to intensify efforts, enhance joint work, and coordinate between all units stationed at the base, while making full use of its capabilities and strategic location."

U.S. forces fully withdrew from the Ain al-Asad air base in western Iraq and removed all American equipment, with Iraqi forces assuming full control. Washington and Baghdad agreed in 2024 to wind down the U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State in Iraq by September 2025, including departures from bases. A small contingent of 250–350 advisers remained earlier due to developments in Syria, but all U.S. personnel have now left. Iraqi military leadership assigned duties and ordered intensified coordination to utilize the base’s strategic capabilities. U.S. forces continue to operate in the Kurdish region and in neighboring Syria. The withdrawal may strengthen government leverage in disarmament talks with non-state armed groups.

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