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US Forces Leave Iraq, Raising Fears of Iran-Backed Militias Amid Power Vacuum
The departure ends a 23-year U.S. military presence as Iran-backed militias intensify pressure and Iraq says it can handle its own security.
- On Wednesday, the United States withdrew from its final military base in Iraq, ending combat operations more than 23 years after President George W. Bush's "mission accomplished" speech.
- Over 23 years, the U.S. spent $1.7 trillion and lost 4,500 troops in Iraq; President Trump stated Iraq can now manage its own security, following the Biden-era deadline.
- Withdrawing 2,500 troops mostly from bases in Erbil, the U.S. faced increasing attacks from Iran-backed Shia militias that launched more than 600 attacks on military facilities in the war's first two months.
- Popular Mobilisation Units , Iran-backed militias, appear more entrenched than ever, leaving Iraq in the hands of a divided government as the withdrawal completes.
- With U.S. forces gone, the regional balance of power could tilt further toward Iran, risking cemented influence of militias that previously acted as a counterweight to Tehran's regional ambitions.
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13 Articles
13 Articles
US forces leave Iraq, raising fears of Iran-backed militias amid power vacuum
·Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
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23 years after invasion, U.S. leaves Iraq; stays in Iran
The U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 was it’s second target in its ‘war on terror’. But it’s war against Iran now has made it increasingly difficult for the United States to keep a large group of troops in a region that’s turning hostile.
·Chennai, India
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The Kurdish region was one of the last locations for the US military in Iraq, now the last soldiers are leaving there. Will armed groups take advantage of the resulting power vacuum?
·Berlin, Germany
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Washington and Tehran have pressured the Iraqi government to obtain the arms monopoly, but nothing will be possible until mid-2027. Some fear that this promise will never materialize.
·Paris, France
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left, 50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 50%
C 50%
Factuality
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