Diplomacy

US Troops to Withdraw from Iraq After Two Decades

BBC · 3 hours ago · Read the Full Story on BBC
US Troops to Withdraw from Iraq After Two Decades
AI SUMMARY

U.S. troops are preparing to depart from their final military bases in Iraq by Wednesday, ending a military presence that began with the 2003 invasion.

  • U.S. troops are preparing to withdraw from their final military bases in Iraq by Wednesday.
  • The U.S. military officially invaded Iraq and ousted Saddam Hussein in March 2003.
  • The two-decade U.S. military presence in Iraq resulted in the loss of 4,500 American soldiers' lives.
  • Iraqi security experts warn the withdrawal could provide Tehran and its allies with greater freedom of movement and allow groups like the Islamic State to regain strength.
  • Security analyst Jassem al-Bahadli noted that the departure removes a key counterweight to Iran's influence in Iraq.
  • Pro-Iranian militant groups intend to use the withdrawal to exert greater influence over security and political decision-making.
  • Abu Mojtaba al-Yasiri, a commander of the Iran-backed 'Islamic Resistance in Iraq', described the U.S. departure as a historic victory.