23-year US military era in Iraq comes to an end

The combat presence of the US-led coalition forces in Iraq is coming to an end as of September 30. The withdrawal of coalition troops, who have been in the country following the 2003 US-led invasion and the international intervention launched against ISIS in 2014, has been announced by the Baghdad administration as a "historic turning point."

The Iraqi Ministry of Defense announced that the army and intelligence units have reached the capacity to protect the country's borders. The ministry's statement included the phrase, "September 30, 2026, is by no means the same as September 30, 2014."

The statement noted that Iraqi security forces are conducting extensive deployments in the field, while emphasizing border security, intelligence capacity, and economic activities. The Baghdad administration defines October 1 as a new era for the country.

While the government announced that there will be no foreign military elements left in the country, there are assessments that the withdrawal does not mean the complete end of all US presence in Iraq. It is stated that the US may keep limited air defense elements and special forces in the country to protect its diplomatic facilities in Baghdad and Erbil.

While banners carrying the message of "full sovereignty" have appeared on the streets of Baghdad, it is reported that final shipments are continuing at military bases. Analysts are of the opinion that Washington is undergoing a strategic repositioning in the region by shifting its military presence to bases in Jordan and Gulf countries.