United States forces are completing their withdrawal from Iraq’s last bases by September 30, ending nearly two decades of military presence, according to Reuters.

The exit follows a phased drawdown agreed with Baghdad. American troops will leave installations in Baghdad and other parts of the country, with the mission shifting to a bilateral security partnership focused on training and counterterrorism.

The departure leaves Iraq’s government responsible for holding back the Islamic State, which still operates sleeper cells, and for managing Iran-backed militias that have grown in power. Reuters reports the withdrawal creates an opening for Iran’s proxies in the region.

Officials in Washington say US forces have largely defeated the Islamic State’s territorial hold. Critics argue leaving now weakens pressure on the group and emboldens armed factions aligned with Tehran.

What happens next: Iraq will run its own security with limited American support, and the region will watch whether Iran moves to fill the gap.