Tuesday, September 29, 2026 300 stories · 2255 outlet reports compared

US forces set to leave last bases in Iraq after more than two decades

US forces are preparing to withdraw from their remaining bases in Iraq by Wednesday, according to sources, ending a military presence that lasted more than 20 years.

By The Lumen desk · Sept 29, 2026 · 1 min read
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What we know
1 US forces are set to exit their last bases in Iraq by Wednesday, according to multiple center outlets.
2 The US military presence in Iraq lasted more than two decades.
3 More than 4,500 Americans died during the war in Iraq, according to The Straits Times.
4 Iran and its allies are reported to view the withdrawal as a victory and now hold deep influence in Iraq.

US forces are set to pull out from their last bases in Iraq by Wednesday, according to The Straits Times, Reuters and CNA, marking the end of a military presence lasting more than two decades.

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The withdrawal comes after more than 4,500 Americans died during the more than two-decade war in Iraq, according to The Straits Times.

The departure is being celebrated as a victory by Iran and its allies, who now have deep influence in Iraq, according to The Straits Times, Reuters and CNA.

NPR also reported that after more than two decades, US forces are preparing to leave Iraq.

How each side covered it

Left

1 outlet
  • NPR reported that after more than two decades, US forces are preparing to leave Iraq.

“After more than two decades, U.S. forces prepare to leave Iraq” — NPR

Center

4 outlets
  • Reuters, CNA and The Straits Times reported US forces are set to exit their last bases in Iraq by Wednesday.
  • Center outlets reported the withdrawal is being celebrated as a victory by Iran and its allies.
  • The Straits Times reported more than 4,500 Americans died during the war in Iraq.

“US forces exit Iraq after two decades, leaving opening for Iran” — The Straits Times

Questions readers ask

What happened with US forces in Iraq?

US forces are preparing to leave their last bases in Iraq, ending a military presence of more than two decades, according to NPR, Reuters, CNA and The Straits Times.

When are US forces leaving Iraq?

US forces are set to pull out from their last bases in Iraq by Wednesday, according to The Straits Times, Reuters and CNA.

Why does the US withdrawal from Iraq matter?

The withdrawal is reported to leave an opening for greater influence by Iran and its allies in Iraq, according to Reuters, CNA and The Straits Times.

How many Americans died in the Iraq war?

More than 4,500 Americans died during the more than two-decade war in Iraq, according to The Straits Times.

What did left- and center-leaning outlets focus on?

Left-leaning outlet NPR focused on the end of the more than two-decade US military presence in Iraq, while center outlets emphasized the opening this creates for greater Iranian influence.

Sources · 5 outlet reports

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