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US Military Withdrawal from Iraq and Syria: 2024-2026
The United States accelerates its withdrawal of military forces from Iraq and Syria under the Trump administration, completing a phased pullout that began with agreements in 2024 and is set to conclude by late 2026.
Why It Matters
The withdrawal marks a significant shift in US Middle East military posture after years of counter-ISIS operations, with implications for regional stability, Iran's influence, and NATO allied presence in the region.
Timeline
7 Events
Final US Troop Departure from Iraq Expected
End of 2026
The last remaining US troops are expected to depart Iraq by the end of 2026, marking the conclusion of the withdrawal agreement reached in 2024.
Potential Syria Withdrawal Following Kurdish Region Collapse
January 2026
Following the collapse of the Kurdish autonomous region in Syria, the Trump administration considers beginning a final withdrawal from Syria where roughly 1,000 US soldiers are stationed. Two American soldiers were killed during a patrol near Palmyra in December 2025.
Full Iraq Withdrawal Completion Targeted
September 2026
The Trump administration updates the withdrawal timeline, aiming to complete full military withdrawal from Iraq by September 2026, coinciding with full withdrawal of NATO military advisers.
Iraqi Government Takes Control of Last Federal Base
January 2026
Iraqi authorities officially take control of the last American military base in federal Iraq. US presence remains at Harir Air Base in the autonomous Kurdish region.
US Begins Withdrawal from Major Iraqi Bases
January 2026
US troops begin withdrawing from Ain al-Asad air base in Anbar province and the Victory Base Complex at Baghdad International Airport. Some soldiers redeploy to Erbil in Kurdistan region while others move to Syria.
Iranian-backed Militia Attacks Escalate
Through September 2024
Iranian-backed militias conduct at least 70 attacks on US forces in Iraq as part of regional conflict tensions following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
US-Iraq Agreement on Troop Withdrawal
September 2024
The United States and Iraq agree on a phased withdrawal plan with hundreds of US soldiers to depart in September 2025 and remaining forces by end of 2026, following sustained attacks by Iranian-backed militias on US forces.