US Ends Military Mission in Iraq
The US has ended its 12-year military mission in Iraq with the departure of its forces from the country. All US forces and equipment have left Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq as part of a transition to a bilateral defense relationship.
US Central Command announced the departure of US forces from Iraq on Wednesday, marking the end of a 12-year military mission. Centcom stated that all US forces and equipment departed Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq as part of a yearlong wind-down of Operation Inherent Resolve.
The transition is aimed at establishing a US-Iraq bilateral defense relationship. This change follows a year of planning and preparation to shift the focus of the US involvement in Iraq.
The US had maintained a military presence in Iraq since 2003, with the mission evolving over time to include training and advising Iraqi security forces. The end of the US military mission in Iraq is a significant development in the region.
The US and Iraq will continue to work together on defense issues, with the US providing support and assistance to Iraq's security forces. The details of the new bilateral defense relationship are still being finalized.
The departure of US forces from Iraq is seen as a major milestone in the country's transition to greater independence and self-reliance in terms of security.
Go Deeper
What was the main purpose of the US military mission in Iraq?
The US military mission in Iraq was initially aimed at overthrowing Saddam Hussein's regime and later evolved to include training and advising Iraqi security forces.
How long did the US military mission in Iraq last?
The US military mission in Iraq lasted for 12 years, from 2003 to 2021, although the nature of the mission changed over time.
What is Operation Inherent Resolve?
Operation Inherent Resolve is a US-led military operation aimed at defeating the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.
What will be the focus of the new US-Iraq bilateral defense relationship?
The new bilateral defense relationship will focus on providing support and assistance to Iraq's security forces, although the details are still being finalized.
What does the end of the US military mission in Iraq mean for the country?
The end of the US military mission in Iraq marks a significant development in the region and a major milestone in the country's transition to greater independence and self-reliance in terms of security.
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