US EditionIraqi army fully takes over key base following US withdrawal
The Iraqi army now manages Ain al-Asad Airbase after U.S. forces withdrew, following a 2024 pact to reduce coalition presence and shift to bilateral security cooperation.
- On Jan 17, U.S. forces withdrew from Ain al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq, with all personnel and equipment removed as the Iraqi Army assumed full control, Iraqi defence ministry reported.
- An earlier Washington-Baghdad understanding envisioned winding down the U.S.-led coalition and shifting toward a bilateral security relationship with a phased drawdown.
- Local reports noted an Iraqi army colonel said a few U.S. soldiers remained temporarily due to logistical issues, while officials maintained between 250 and 350 U.S. military advisers and support personnel because of Syrian developments.
- Gen. Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah then oversaw reassignment and coordination orders at the base Saturday, while Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said non-state armed groups would lack justification for weapons after withdrawal.
- Amid regional tensions, analysts note Ain al-Asad has been targeted by Iran-backed armed groups after the 2020 killing of Qassem Soleimani, while U.S. forces maintain presence in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region and neighbouring Syria.
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Iraqi forces take over key base following US withdrawal
Baghdad: US forces have fully withdrawn from an air base in western Iraq in implementation of an agreement with the Iraqi government, Iraqi officials said Saturday, January 17. Washington and Baghdad agreed in 2024 to wind down a US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group in Iraq by September 2025, with US forces departing bases where they had been stationed. However, a small unit of US military advisers and support personnel remained. Ir…
The US military has withdrawn from the Ain Al-Asad base in western Iraq and the Iraqi army has taken control of the area, the Ministry of Defense in Baghdad announced today.
US troops pull out of major Iraq airbase amid ongoing regional consolidation effort, progress against ISIS
U.S. troops completeed its withdrawal from Al Asad Airbase in Iraq as military officials cited success against ISIS' threat and Iraqi forces' growing capability.
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