Where Sources Agree

• arrows_inputOfficial Withdrawal Completion: Multiple accounts detail that U.S. forces completed their withdrawal from Iraq on September 30, marking the formal conclusion of the 12-year Operation Inherent Resolve mission following a final departure from Erbil Air Base, according to a Pentagon announcement.
• arrows_inputBilateral Defense Relationship: Multiple outlets emphasize the transition from a wartime coalition mission to a bilateral defense relationship, with U.S. forces continuing to provide targeted training and intelligence support to Iraqi partners, according to official sources.
• arrows_inputPost-Withdrawal Security Risks: Several sources align on the potential for increased instability following the U.S. withdrawal, highlighting the persistent threat of ISIS sleeper cells, the rising influence of Iran-backed militias, and Kurdish concerns over the loss of U.S. air-defense systems after enduring over 1,000 drone and ballistic missile attacks, according to regional security officials.

Where Sources Disagree

• arrows_outputSecurity Readiness Post-Withdrawal: Iraqi and U.S. officials maintain that Iraqi forces are fully prepared to assume security responsibilities independently. However, Kurdish officials and security experts warn the withdrawal creates a dangerous security vacuum, citing the loss of vital air defense and intelligence capabilities.
• arrows_outputPost-Withdrawal Security Assessment: U.S. officials describe the withdrawal as a successful conclusion to a mission that decimated ISIS as an organized military threat. In contrast, security experts and local officials warn that the departure leaves a vacuum, potentially allowing ISIS sleeper cells to regroup and Iran-aligned militias to expand their influence.