U.S. ends coalition mission in Iraq as troops leave remaining bases

The United States and its coalition partners concluded their mission in Iraq on Wednesday, ending a military presence at the remaining bases after more than a decade. The Pentagon said it would continue targeted training and intelligence support for Iraqi partners.

The withdrawal follows a 2024 U.S.-Iraq agreement and shifts security efforts to an Iraqi-led mission with bilateral support. Coalition forces first deployed to Iraq and Syria in 2014 to fight Islamic State, which was defeated as an organized military force in Iraq in 2017.

The departure has raised concerns about regional security, including the potential for Iran-backed militias to gain influence and Islamic State remnants to regroup. Kurdish officials also expressed concern about drone threats after U.S. Air defense systems are removed.

Read the full story at dw.com.