US President Donald Trump officially announced on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the completion of the withdrawal of all American military personnel from Iraq. This milestone brings an end to the United States' long-term military presence in the region, which began with a major campaign and later transformed into an anti-terrorism mission to dismantle cells of the Islamic State terrorist group. According to the US leader, the operation has officially come to an end, with the final troops having departed Iraqi territory after fulfilling their objectives.

Background and Evolution of the Iraq Campaign

The large-scale US military campaign in Iraq dates back to 2003 under President George W. Bush. Subsequently, in 2014, the mission underwent significant changes when the Barack Obama administration established the international coalition «Operation Inherent Resolve» to counter ISIS. The military footprint was maintained through subsequent administrations until Donald Trump made the decisive final decision in 2026 to withdraw all forces, describing the move as bringing the military home and concluding a costly foreign expedition.

Contradictory Data

Media coverage of this historical event revealed notable discrepancies regarding the chronology and duration of the American mission. President Trump and most official sources cite the conclusion of a 12-year mission (referencing the 2014 operational realignment). Meanwhile, independent monitoring resources and various publications insist on a 23-year period of presence, counting from the initial 2003 invasion. Additionally, analysts point out that the withdrawal is taking place amid a volatile regional climate and ongoing localized clashes with pro-Iranian armed groups.

Organized Withdrawal and Washington's Reaction

In a statement via Truth Social, Donald Trump emphasized the stark contrast between the Iraq operation and the chaotic withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan. He asserted that the evacuation of personnel and military equipment from the Erbil air base was conducted in an orderly fashion, without leaving behind expensive gear or suffering personnel losses. Trump also praised Iraq's new Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, calling him an outstanding figure, and expressed confidence in the stability of future bilateral relations without a direct US military footprint.