U.S. Forces End Operation Inherent Resolve Mission in Iraq

According to the Arab Times Kuwait, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has finalized the orderly withdrawal of personnel and equipment from Erbil Air Base as of September 30. This move marks a definitive step in the conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve, the long-standing international mission established to combat the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

The departure from the Erbil facility follows months of high-level negotiations between Washington and Baghdad regarding the future of the U.S. military presence in the region. The transition is part of a broader strategic shift intended to move away from a combat-focused coalition model toward a more traditional bilateral security partnership between the United States and the Iraqi government.

While the U.S. military has maintained a presence in Iraq for over a decade to support local forces in counter-terrorism operations, the mission has faced increasing pressure from regional political factions calling for a full withdrawal of foreign troops. The closure of the Erbil site is viewed by analysts as a significant milestone in the winding down of the coalition's operational footprint in northern Iraq.

U.S. officials have indicated that while the specific mission under Operation Inherent Resolve is concluding, the United States remains committed to supporting Iraqi security forces through advisory roles and intelligence sharing. Further details regarding the timeline for the remaining coalition forces in other parts of the country are expected to be addressed in upcoming joint briefings between U.S. and Iraqi defense representatives.