US begins drawdown in Iraq to end ISIS mission by Sept 2025

The U.S. military has begun drawing down its mission in Iraq under an agreement reached with the Iraqi government last year, Pentagon and Iraqi officials said Wednesday, with some forces withdrawing from bases and others redeploying to the country's north as the two sides prepare to end the U.S.-led combat mission against the Islamic State group by September 2025.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement that Washington will reduce its military mission in Iraq, reflecting "our combined success in fighting ISIS." He said the move is intended to transition the relationship toward a lasting U.S.-Iraq security partnership in line with U.S. national interests, the Iraqi Constitution, and the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement. Parnell added that the United States will maintain close coordination with Baghdad and coalition partners to ensure a responsible transition. The statement did not specify how many troops have left or when the drawdown will be completed.

A senior Iraqi security official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly, said withdrawals began weeks ago from Baghdad and from the Ain al-Asad base in western...