The US-led coalition will end its military mission in Iraq on September 30, closing out a 22-year deployment that began in 2003. The last remaining forces are now leaving Erbil in the Kurdistan region.

Only a few hundred of the roughly 2,500 American troops in Iraq remain. Most are being redeployed to Jordan, and equipment including air defence systems is being removed as the drawdown finishes.

The wind-down follows a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad to end the mission. Iraq’s government has declared September 30 a national holiday, calling it a “day of sovereignty”.

Prime Minister Mohammed al-Zaidi has described the date as fixed and final. The withdrawal is happening without ceremony, according to US Central Command.

Analysts warn the exit could strengthen Iranian influence and raise the risk of an Islamic State resurgence. Iran-aligned factions in Iraq are already claiming the withdrawal as their victory. Regional security will be tested in the months ahead.