US-led coalition ends mission in Iraq after final troop withdrawal
The US-led coalition concluded its mission in Iraq on Wednesday as the last troops withdrew from the autonomous northern Kurdistan region.
Coalition mission officially concludes
Pentagon officials stated that Operation Inherent Resolve formally ended consistent with a September 2024 joint statement. Coalition forces had previously restricted their presence to the Kurdish region before leaving on Wednesday. This withdrawal marks the end of a deployment that began in 2014 to fight militant groups.
Iraqi government celebrates sovereignty
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi declared October 1 as Sovereignty Day following the departure of foreign forces. Government leaders said this occasion affirms the completion of Iraq's path toward full state sovereignty. Officials added that addressing weapons outside state authority must follow timelines set by the government.
Historical context of intervention
The initial US occupation started in 2003 to topple Saddam Hussein before forces left in 2011. Troops returned in 2014 after the Islamic State seized large parts of both Iraq and Syria. The coalition defeated the group in Iraq by 2017 and in Syria by 2019.
2 outlets, different leads
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Dawn
US-led coalition ends mission in Iraq
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Middle East Eye
Iraq celebrates as last US troops withdraw from country
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2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.