The U.S. military has completed the withdrawal of its forces and equipment from Iraq, with the Pentagon declaring an end to Operation Inherent Resolve in the country, according to CBS News. The Pentagon said ISIS had been defeated "as an organized military threat in Iraq and across the region."
Sources differ on the timeline of the deployment being wound down. NPR reported the withdrawal came 23 years after the U.S. invaded Iraq, which it said sparked an insurgency and civil war. Deutsche Welle said the current deployment began in 2014 to combat Islamic State extremists, and described the exit as coming "after more than a decade."
France 24 reported that the withdrawal took place under an agreement between Baghdad and Washington, with the Iraqi army officially taking over the coalition's remaining bases. It said the Iraqi government is seeking to strengthen its military capabilities and reaffirm its sovereignty.
Several outlets reported that the withdrawal benefits Iran's position in the region. The Washington Post and The Hindu said the move shifts the balance of power toward Iran or leaves an opening for Iranian influence. NewsNation reported that Iran claimed victory after the U.S. ended its mission, and Deutsche Welle said Iran, which has sought a complete removal of U.S. forces from the Middle East, celebrated the withdrawal.
The Japan Times reported the withdrawal could embolden Iran's proxies and the Islamic State group. NPR noted Iraq is still trying to combat Iranian influence in the country.
How each side covered it
Left
- CBS News reported the Pentagon's declaration that ISIS was defeated as an organized military threat.
- NPR highlighted the 23-year span since the U.S. invasion and ongoing Iraqi efforts against Iranian influence.
- The Washington Post and The Hindu both reported the withdrawal shifts power toward Iran or leaves an opening for its influence.
“U.S. withdraws forces in Iraq as balance of power shifts to Iran” — The Washington Post
Center
- France 24 reported on the Iraqi army taking over coalition bases and the government's push to reaffirm sovereignty.
- France 24 also reported on residents near U.S. bases who were caught in crossfire and are hoping for a fresh start.
- NewsNation and Deutsche Welle both reported that Iran claimed victory or celebrated the withdrawal.
- The Japan Times reported the withdrawal could embolden Iran's proxies and the Islamic State group.
“‘The country has become a battlefield’: Last US troops exit Iraq” — France 24
Questions readers ask
What happened with U.S. forces in Iraq?
The U.S. military withdrew its forces and equipment from Iraq, with the Pentagon declaring an end to Operation Inherent Resolve and saying ISIS had been defeated as an organized military threat, according to CBS News.
Why does the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq matter?
Several outlets, including The Washington Post and The Hindu, reported that the withdrawal shifts the regional balance of power toward Iran, while The Japan Times said it could embolden Iran's proxies and the Islamic State group.
How did Iran react to the U.S. withdrawal?
Iran celebrated the withdrawal, according to Deutsche Welle, and NewsNation reported that Iran claimed victory after the U.S. ended its mission in Iraq.
What role did the Iraqi military play in the withdrawal?
According to France 24, the Iraqi army officially took over the coalition's remaining bases as the Iraqi government sought to strengthen its military capabilities and reaffirm its sovereignty.
How long were U.S. forces in Iraq?
Sources differ: NPR reported the withdrawal came 23 years after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, while Deutsche Welle said the current deployment, which began in 2014 to fight Islamic State extremists, ended after more than a decade.
Sources · 17 outlet reports
- CBS NewsLeft-leaningU.S. military declares end of anti-ISIS Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq
- NPRLeft-leaningRetired general who led troops in Iraq warns U.S. exit may give Iran, ISIS an opening
- The HinduLeft-leaningU.S. forces exit Iraq after two decades, leaving opening for Iran
- The New York TimesLeft-leaningAfter Two Decades, U.S. Forces Leave Iraq to an Uncertain Future
- The Washington PostLeft-leaningU.S. withdraws forces in Iraq as balance of power shifts to Iran
- Arab NewsCenterUS-led coalition ends mission in Iraq
- BBC NewsCenterLast UK and US troops leave Iraq as anti-Islamic State mission ends
- BBC SportCenterLast UK and US troops leave Iraq as anti-Islamic State mission ends
- Deutsche WelleCenterUS troops exit Iraq after more than a decade
- France 24Center‘The country has become a battlefield’: Last US troops exit Iraq
- Global NewsCenterU.S. military says the last of its troops in Iraq have withdrawn
- NewsNationCenterIran claims victory after US ends its mission in Iraq
- The Japan TimesCenterU.S. forces exit Iraq, emboldening Iran’s proxies and Islamic State
- Fox NewsRight-leaningUS faces another major Middle East troop withdrawal, but threat remains
- The Daily WireRight-leaningU.S. Forces Withdraw From Iraq After 23 Years
- Toronto SunRight-leaningU.S.-led coalition ends mission in Iraq
- Washington ExaminerRight-leaningUS announces all forces withdrawn from Iraq after 12-year anti-ISIS mission