Iraq: Celebrations Mark US Troop Withdrawal Amid Security Concerns

Baghdad — US forces completed their withdrawal from Iraq on Wednesday after more than two decades. The final troops departed from Erbil Air Base, prompting street celebrations across Iraq and military parades in Baghdad and Najaf.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi declared October 1 as “Sovereignty Day,” calling it a new era of full Iraqi responsibility for security and stability. However, analysts have warned of potential security vacuums.
US troops first entered Iraq in 2003 to topple Saddam Hussein, withdrew in 2011, and returned in 2014 to combat ISIS. Over 4,500 American and 200,000+ Iraqi civilians were killed in the conflict. The Pentagon officially ended “Operation Inherent Resolve.”
Analyst Jassem al-Bahadli warned that “security vacuums can prove extremely dangerous.” Iran-backed militias have celebrated the withdrawal as a victory, while ISIS sleeper cells remain a threat. Iraq still lacks adequate air defence against drone attacks. The US will continue providing training and intelligence support.