Key facts
- US forces are scheduled for withdrawal from Iraq by September 30.
- The US military presence in Iraq began with the 2003 invasion.
- The withdrawal follows an agreement with Iraq to end operations against the Islamic State group.
- Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi affirmed the withdrawal timeline.
- Iraq will be free of foreign military presence starting October 1.
- All weapons in Iraq will be under state control from October 1.
- The transition aims to reinforce Iraq's national sovereignty and security.
US military officials confirm that all forces are on track for withdrawal from Iraq by September 30, marking the end of a military presence that commenced with the 2003 invasion. This decision is a result of an agreement with Iraq to conclude operations against the Islamic State group. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has affirmed the nation's commitment to this timeline. Starting October 1, Iraq is set to be entirely free of foreign military presence. A key aspect of this transition is the assertion that all weapons will be under state control, a move intended to reinforce national sovereignty and security. The withdrawal signifies a significant shift in Iraq's security landscape and its relationship with international military forces.